Cessna 177RG N7532V accident near Vacaville, California

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that all indications during the preflight engine runup check were good. After takeoff, when the airplane was about 200 ft above ground level during the initial climb, the engine lost total power. The pilot then chose to land the airplane straight ahead in an open field. During the landing, the left wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation, and sufficient fuel was aboard the airplane at the time of the accident. As a result, the investigation could not determine why the loss of engine power occurred.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR17LA142 for the full record.