Raytheon Aircraft Company G36 N936EW accident near Porterville, California

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

During an instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions, the flight entered the ground fog layer at 1,300 feet mean sea level (msl) and continued descending to the minimum descent altitude of 980 feet msl. Upon reaching the minimum descent altitude, the pilot asked his passengers if "they saw anything." The pilot stated that he "saw a few breaks." As the airplane neared the missed approach point, the pilot further reported that he declared a missed approach and applied full power. He stated that the engine did not respond and made an unusual sound "like a car would make if its automatic transmission would not grab." The pilot added that he was not getting power and briefed his passengers to brace themselves. Shortly thereafter, the airplane struck trees and the ground within an orange orchard. Both wings and the fuselage were substantially damaged. Examination of the airframe, engine, and propeller assemblies revealed no related preimpact mechanical anomalies.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA049 for the full record.