Beech H35 N112F accident near Tucson, Arizona

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical anomaly that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, after takeoff, the engine started to "sputter." He adjusted the fuel mixture control lever but noticed no change in engine performance. He determined that insufficient runway was available to land, so he initiated a forced landing into desert terrain. During the landing roll, the airplane struck vegetation and sustained substantial damage.

Postaccident examination of the airplane, engine, and propeller revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the reason for the partial loss of power could not be determined. Review of the airplane manufacturer's climb performance chart revealed that, at the time of the accident, the weather and environmental conditions were within the airplane's takeoff performance limitations.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA139 for the full record.