Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper leaning of the engine.
NTSB analysis
After a normal preflight and engine run-up, the airplane departed. About 75 ft above ground level (agl), the engine rpm smoothly deteriorated to a total loss of power. The pilot configured the airplane in a nose-low pitch attitude in an attempt to avoid stalling and made an off-airstrip landing. The pilot could not recall his next actions but thought he may have unintentionally turned the fuel selector to the OFF position after the loss of power, thinking he was switching to the other (fuller) wing tank. The airplane collided with the thick brush off the end of the runway and nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
During a postaccident examination, investigators found the fuel selector in the OFF position. The engine successfully started and ran during a test run. The postaccident examination revealed no evidence of a malfunction or failure with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot did not know the reason for the loss of engine power but opined that he possibly leaned the engine too aggressively for the density altitude.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19LA190 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 14, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cascade, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Sulphur Creek Ranch (ID74)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna P206
- N-number
- N131DV
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.