On August 10, 2002, a Boeing B75N1 (registration N17678) operated by John S. Lohmar was involved in an aviation accident near Casa Grande, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the partial loss of engine power was undetermined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A flight instructor performed a forced landing in desert terrain after an aircraft experienced a partial loss of engine power during a climb.
What happened
During a 25-minute flight, the aircraft experienced a partial loss of engine power while climbing between 400 and 500 feet above ground level. Following the power loss, the flight instructor reversed course to return to the airport; however, the aircraft lacked sufficient altitude to complete the return.
The instructor subsequently performed a forced landing on desert terrain. As the aircraft slowed to a speed between 20 and 30 miles per hour, it impacted the upslope side of a ditch and rolled into the ditch. At the start of the flight, there were 35 gallons of fuel in the tanks.
Findings
The investigation could not determine the specific reason for the partial engine power loss.
Probable cause
The cause of the partial loss of engine power was undetermined.