Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined because the airplane was not recovered.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that, after about 30 minutes of flight, he advanced the throttle and the engine went to idle power then stopped. He restarted the engine and determined that it would only operate at idle power before it stopped again. He was flying over rocky terrain and determined that the best option was to ditch the airplane in a nearby river. After ditching the airplane in the river, the pilot swam to shore. The airplane sank and will not be recovered.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA092 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 11, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lake Pleasant, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Peoria (KP48)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Rans S-4 Coyote
- N-number
- N571K
- 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.