Cessna P172D N8540X accident near Prescott, Arizona

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff the airplane’s engine suddenly lost power. Despite his efforts, the engine would not restart. Subsequently, the pilot initiated a forced landing in a field and, during the landing roll, the airplane impacted a tree stump, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

During a postaccident airframe and engine examination, the engine rotated freely, and all cylinders had compression and proper valve movement. The engine was started and run at various power settings, with no anomalies noted. No evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures was found that would have precluded normal operation. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive to carburetor icing at cruise power, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA186 for the full record.