Piper PA 28-140 N4244T accident near Honolulu, Hawaii

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined due to impact and fire damage.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that he conducted a preflight inspection to prepare for the local personal flight and that a minimum of 20 gallons of fuel was on board. He started the engine and taxied the airplane to an open area for a run-up. Shortly after takeoff, about 300 ft above ground level, the engine lost power. He initiated an emergency landing to a riverbed. The airplane subsequently came to rest under a highway overpass and caught fire.

Postaccident visual and engine examinations revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction. Further, impact and fire damage precluded a determination of the cause of the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR17LA138 for the full record.