Accident Summary
On April 25, 2014, at approximately 1330 central daylight time, a Cessna 172R airplane, registration N9373F, collided with trees following a loss of engine power while departing from Llano Municipal Airport (KAQO) in Llano, Texas. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The airplane was registered to Dirty Side Down Aviation LLC and operated by Genesis Flight Academy under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
According to the pilot's statement, the airplane had approximately 24 to 26 gallons of fuel in its tanks. During the preflight inspection, the pilot visually inspected the fuel tanks and performed a run-up of the engine prior to takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, when the airplane was between 100 and 200 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered and experienced a total loss of power. While troubleshooting the loss of engine power, the airplane's stall warning horn sounded, prompting the pilot to attempt a landing on runway 17. The airplane touched down in the runway's overrun area, bounced, and landed hard.
Examination Findings
No fuel was found in the fuel tanks when examined a couple of days after the accident; however, the fuel gascolator was broken, which would have allowed fuel to flow out of the airplane prior to the initial examination. The airplane was moved to a salvage facility where an engine run and examination were conducted. No preimpact anomalies were detected that would have precluded normal operation of the engine. A specific reason for the loss of engine power was not found.