Event WPR20LA309

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, before landing, the throttle was increased to maintain altitude to correct his position over the runway, however, the engine sputtered and the airplane lost altitude and the main landing gear touched the runway. Being angled on the runway, the pilot applied full power to go-around and change direction away from hangars. The pilot expected to climb; however, the airplane would not maintain altitude or climb. The engine was running, but it would not develop enough power to get positive response on the flight controls. The pilot subsequently landed in a field to the right side of the runway. The landing gear collapsed, and both the upper and lower wings were substantially damaged. While securing the airplane, the pilot reported that the carburetor heat was in the on position during the landing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine controls-(general)-Incorrect use/operation
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Rough terrain-Contributed to outcome