P2002 SIERRA N797TS accident near Tooele, Utah

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot turned onto the final approach leg for landing, and the engine lost power completely. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but he was not successful. Because the pilot had extended his downwind leg in the traffic pattern for an inbound airplane, he was not able to glide all the way to the airport. As the airplane descended into the underlying terrain, it impacted a fence, substantially damaging the wings. Airplane recovery personnel observed fuel in the tanks and fuel lines. The airplane was subsequently examined, and no evidence of any airworthiness anomalies was noted. The engine was successfully test run, and no evidence of any mechanical malfunction was found. While the airplane was operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing at glide power at the time of the accident, the investigation was unable to determine if carburetor ice caused the power loss.The reason for the engine’s power loss was not determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA202 for the full record.