Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot stated that, about 1 hour into the cross-country personal flight, he observed a "slight" loss of engine power and "fluctuating" engine exhaust gas temperature indications. Shortly thereafter, the engine experienced a significant loss of power, and the pilot subsequently chose to perform a forced landing to a rocky plateau, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. Following the pilot's egress, the airplane was consumed by a postimpact fire. The engine was examined and disassembled following the accident, and it displayed significant thermal damage. No anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA254 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Winkelman, Arizona
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built LANCAIR SUPER ES
- N-number
- N74ES
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2000
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.