On October 10, 1991, a Lake LA-4 (registration N25PA) operated by Panama Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Panama City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF POWER DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE CFI'S INADEQUATE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOLLOWING THE REPORTED LOSS OF POWER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training flight, after the propeller control was moved to high RPM, the engine lost power. The CFI took control, descended, but did not check engine instruments. The aircraft struck trees and came to rest inverted. Post-accident examination found no pre-impact failures.
Incident
During a training flight, while the aircraft was on the downwind leg, the student pilot positioned the propeller control to the high RPM position. The certified flight instructor (CFI) then heard a loud noise and the engine experienced a loss of power. The CFI immediately took control of the aircraft, initiated a descent, and positioned the propeller control to the low RPM position. However, the CFI did not look at the engine instruments during this sequence. While descending, the aircraft collided with trees and subsequently came to rest inverted on the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel quantity was sufficient to sustain engine operation. The engine was removed for further examination, which showed no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction. Similarly, the propeller and propeller governor were removed and examined, revealing no evidence of pre-impact failure or malfunction. No determination could be made regarding the reason for the reported loss of power.