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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Initial Climb Leads to Forced Landing and Power Line Contact (N8543W)

Sarasota, FL, US

On April 13, 2007, a Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. LAKE LA-4-200 (registration N8543W) was involved in an aviation accident near Sarasota, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a forced landing, and an in-flight collision with transmission wires and terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported no preflight discrepancies. After takeoff, the engine lost power during climb. The pilot performed a forced landing on a street, during which the left wing struck three power lines before the aircraft impacted the ground hard. Postaccident engine examination found no preimpact failure.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that the preflight inspection and engine run-up before takeoff revealed no discrepancies. After takeoff, once a positive rate of climb was established, the landing gear was retracted. The aircraft accelerated to only 65 miles per hour and did not climb higher than 150 to 200 feet. Subsequently, the engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing onto a street. During the descent, the left wing contacted three power lines. The airplane then impacted the ground hard.

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident examination of the engine found no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Apr 2007 Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. LAKE LA-4-200 accident near Sarasota, FL?

A pilot reported no preflight discrepancies. After takeoff, the engine lost power during climb. The pilot performed a forced landing on a street, during which the left wing struck three power lines before the aircraft impacted the ground hard. Postaccident engine examination found no preimpact failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Apr 2007 involved a Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. LAKE LA-4-200, registration N8543W, at Sarasota, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a forced landing, and an in-flight collision with transmission wires and terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070419X00438. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.