NTSB Factual Report

On February 28, 2002, about 1315 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172, N1915V, registered to, and operated by Euphoria Limited, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed while attempting a forced landing following loss of engine power during takeoff from Marion, South Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, received minor injuries, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that she had flown to Marion Airport, and had performed a few touch-and-go landings, followed by a full stop landing. She stated that as she was taking off to fly back to Elizabethtown, while at an altitude of about 500 feet, she noticed a large drop in power. She said that with full power applied, the aircraft engine "surged a couple of times", and she executed a forced landing to an open field, during which the aircraft incurred damage to the airframe.

An FAA certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic, with an inspection authorization rating, stated to the NTSB that he examined the accident airplane and found no anomalies with the aircraft's fuel, ignition and induction systems. In addition, the mechanic stated that he performed a "test run" on the engine, operating it to about 1,700 rpms, and it functioned normally.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power during takeoff/initial climb due to undetermined reasons, resulting in a landing on unsuitable terrain.