Cessna 152 N271RJ accident near Carlsbad, California

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

During takeoff the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine without success and then began maneuvering the airplane away from power transmission lines. A witness observed the airplane flying slowly and emanating an "underpowered" sound. The airplane then began a descending right turn, and collided with rising terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage structure. On a prior flight earlier in the day the pilot reported having problems starting the engine, as well as encountering excessive engine roughness while performing the magneto check. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot again encountered engine roughness during the magneto check, which he resolved by running the engine for 5 minutes at a lean mixture and increased engine rpm. Examination of the engine and airframe revealed no obvious evidence of premishap mechanical malfunction or failure.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08LA299 for the full record.