Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane and the subsequent total loss of engine power as a result of debris and water contamination in the fuel system.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power, and during the subsequent attempt to return to the airport, the airplane collided with the terrain. A postaccident examination of the engine fuel system revealed that the fuel in the accumulator sump and the carburetor inlet screen line were contaminated with debris and water. It is likely that the loss of engine power was due to this contamination as no further evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation was found.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12LA070 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 27, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Concord, California
- Nearest airport
- Concord/ Buchanan Field (CCR)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Ryan NAVION
- N-number
- N4398K
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.