CESSNA 208B near Fairbanks, AK — 2021-04-03

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff climb, he retracted the flaps, and the engine began to run rough. The pilot elected to abort the landing on the remaining runway. The airplane descended rapidly with the decreased airspeed and subsequently landed hard, sustaining substantial damage. The passengers reported that the airplane bounced three to four times when it landed. Ground witnesses reported heavy snowfall at the time the airplane took off. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Engine power loss

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted takeoff when engine began to run rough.

NTSB coding

• Loss of engine power (partial) · Unknown

Evidence available

• Photos
• 6 docket documents

Docket documents6

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• PASSENGER STATEMENTSinterview
• WITNESS STATEMENTSinterview
• ENGINE EXAMINATION (OPERATOR)other
• FUEL SAMPLE ANALYSISother
• PHOTOSphotos