On September 2, 1991, a Ryan NAVION A (registration N5103K) operated by Darrwll R. James was involved in an aviation accident near DE Funiak Spgs, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause for the engine failure could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after takeoff, the engine quit while the pilot was reducing power. During forced landing maneuvering, the aircraft struck a tree and then the ground, coming to rest upright. Post-crash examination found no precrash failure or malfunction; the cause of the engine failure could not be determined.
Event Summary
Shortly after takeoff, while the pilot was reducing power, the engine quit. The pilot subsequently maneuvered for a forced landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck a tree and then collided with the ground, where it came to rest upright.
Post-Crash Examination
Post-crash examination of the aircraft and engine revealed no evidence indicating precrash failure or malfunction of the engine assembly and accessories or the aircraft fuel system. No evidence of fuel contamination was found.
Cause Determination
The cause for the engine failure could not be determined.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated he was not using the electric fuel boost pump as called for in the aircraft operating checklist for takeoff and did not turn it on after the engine failure.
Probable cause
The cause for the engine failure could not be determined.