On May 4, 1999, a Beech BE-23 (registration N2339Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Houghton Lake, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that, after liftoff at 100 feet, the engine became labored and RPM decreased. During a turn back to the airport, the engine stopped completely. The stall warning sounded as the aircraft entered trees. Examination found no preaccident anomalies.
Event Description
A pilot reported that shortly after liftoff, while at an altitude of 100 feet above ground level, the engine became very labored and the RPM began to decrease. The pilot initiated a turn toward the airport with the intention of landing on runway 18. During the turn, the engine stopped completely. The pilot reported the engine failure to UNICOM and attempted to maintain the nose-up attitude. As the aircraft entered the trees, the stall warning alarm had just barely begun to sound.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any apparent preaccident anomalies with the airplane or its engine.