NTSB Factual Report

On April 25, 2014, about 1330 central daylight time, a Cessna 172R airplane, N9373F, collided with trees following a loss of engine power while departing the Llano Municipal Airport (KAQO), Llano, Texas. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to Dirty Side Down Aviation LLC and operated by Genesis Flight Academy under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to a statement provided by the pilot, the airplane had approximately 24-26 gallons of fuel in its tanks. During his preflight, the pilot reported visually inspecting the fuel tanks. The pilot performed a run-up of the engine prior to takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, when the airplane was between 100-200 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 so the pilot attempted to land on runway 17. The airplane touched down in the runway's overrun area, bounced, and landed hard.

No fuel was located in the fuel tanks a couple days after the accident; however, it was also noted that the fuel gascolator was broken, which would allow fuel to flow out of the airplane prior to the its initial examination.

The airplane was moved to a salvage facility. A subsequent engine run and examination did not detect any preimpact anomalies which would have precluded normal operation of the engine. A reason for the loss of engine power was not found.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because examination of the engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.