Probable cause
A reported loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
NTSB analysis
The pilot, who held a student pilot certificate, stated that he maneuvered in the local area after departure. After about 40 minutes, he started to return to the airport. With the airplane about 2,000 ft above ground level (agl), the engine lost all power. Despite his attempts, the engine would not start, and the pilot maneuvered toward a field to make an off-airport emergency landing. During the landing touchdown, the airplane impacted a grapevine, substantially damaging the left wing struts.
The pilot did not respond to investigators’ requests to examine the airplane. Therefore, the investigation was unable to determine the reason for the reported loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA269 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 3, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lodi, California
- Nearest airport
- Lodi (1O3)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built PT2
- N-number
- N657MJ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1992
- 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.