Cirrus Design Corp SR20 N27WF accident near St. George, Utah

Probable cause

A partial loss of power for reasons that could not be determined due to postimpact fire damage.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor stated that after departure, the airplane’s acceleration felt sluggish. Despite troubleshooting, the airplane would not climb as expected and he decided to return to the airport. After realizing that the airplane would not make it back to the runway, he made an off-airport landing on soft desert terrain. The airplane landed hard and erupted into flames.

A review of the recorded engine monitor data did not identify an abrupt loss of manifold pressure, fuel flow, oil pressure, or combustion from an individual cylinder during the takeoff or flight. The engine did not attain its rated speed despite the manifold pressure remaining as expected for takeoff, and the airplane accelerated slowly during the takeoff roll. The data were consistent with reduced available power or thrust during the takeoff and initial climb.

The recorded data alone could not determine whether the reduced performance resulted from the engine fuel-metering or mixture system, the ignition system, or the propeller system. The postaccident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failures; however, numerous systems were unable to be examined due to excessive damage from the postaccident fire. Therefore, the reason for the reduction of power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA027 for the full record.