Lake LA 4 200 N1040L accident near Corona, California

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he intended to fly the airplane in the airport traffic pattern and perform several full-stop landings. During the engine run-up before the first takeoff, the engine ran roughly on the right magneto. The pilot leaned the fuel mixture, which resolved the problem. He then completed the pretakeoff checklist, and, subsequently, he took off in the airplane, completed the pattern, and made a full-stop landing. During the second takeoff, the pilot climbed the airplane to about 800 feet above ground level where the engine lost power. After turning the airplane back toward the airport, the pilot determined that the airplane would not reach the runway, so he maneuvered the airplane toward an open grassy area on the airport. During the landing, he side-loaded the left main landing gear, which subsequently collapsed. A postaccident test run of the airplane's engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14LA123 for the full record.