Piper PA-22-150 N5850D accident near Lopez, Washington

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor reported that, shortly after takeoff during the instructional flight, the airplane began to lose engine power. The instructor lowered the airplane’s nose and began a turn toward open terrain. About 90 degrees into the turn, the engine lost total power. The pilots tried unsuccessfully to resolve the problem by applying carburetor heat, changing throttle positions, and switching fuel tanks. The instructor performed a forced landing in a nearby field, and the airplane collided with thick vegetation during the landing roll. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded engine operation. The airplane was operating in conditions potentially conducive to carburetor icing at the time of the accident; however, this particular engine and its installation in this airframe is not known to be susceptible to carburetor icing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA095 for the full record.