Primary finding
Probable cause
Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot stated that earlier in the morning he had conducted a precautionary landing in an open field due to a rough running engine. Five spark plugs were changed and an engine run up was conducted with no deficiencies noted. The pilot took off from the open field and reached an altitude between 200 to 300 feet agl when the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot conducted a forced landing into a pond to avoid houses and ground personnel. An on-scene examination conducted by the FAA revealed no evidence to indicate any preimpact failure or malfunction. The FAA inspector wrote in a statement to the NTSB investigator-in-charge, that after a thorough investigation, including an interview with the pilot, the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
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