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December 4, 2021 · Vans RV8 · N421RT

Wichita Falls, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 4, 2021
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Wichita Falls, TX
Aircraft
Vans RV8 (2010)
Tail Number
N421RT
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA071

The pilot-rated passenger, who was the airplane owner/builder, stated while the airplane was returning to the departure airport for landing, there was a total loss of engine power on final approach. The pilot performed a forced landing and the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed there was useable fuel in the left fuel tank, and there was no useable fuel in the right fuel tank. There were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The loss of engine power was consistent with fuel starvation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management that resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.

Full Narrative

On December 4, 2021, at 1630 central standard time, a Vans RV8, N421RT, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Wichita Falls, Texas. The pilot and passenger received serious injuries. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot-rated passenger, who was the airplane owner/builder, stated that while the airplane was returning to the departure airport for landing, there was a total loss of engine power on final approach. The pilot performed a forced landing along the final approach path and the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. \ Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed there was useable fuel in the left fuel tank, and there was no useable fuel in the right fuel tank. A witness who responded to the accident, turned the fuel selector from the right fuel tank to the off position. There were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CST
Nearest AirportWichita Valley Airport (0.5nm SE)
Runway31
Runway Length3320 ft
Runway Width40 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVans RV8
Tail NumberN421RT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAmerica'S Aircraft Engines · IOX-360-A4H9N · Reciprocating · 197
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 29 · Third Class · Serious
Crew 2Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 48
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time16:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data