Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was flying the airplane on a cross-country flight, and reported that while approaching the destination airport the engine lost power during the final descent. The airplane subsequently collided with trees during a forced landing to a golf course. No evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the automotive conversion engine were noted during the postaccident examination. The examination also showed that the airplane’s fuel tank was intact and was void of fuel. Additionally, while the engine was separated from the firewall (thus compromising the integrity of the fuel system), there were no indications of fuel spillage around the airplane during the on-scene examination. While the pilot stated that he had fuel the airplane during a fuel stop near the mid-point of the planned route he did not provide any of the requested fueling records, and therefore the airplane’s fuel state prior to the flight leg could not be confirmed. Based on the available information, it is most likely that the loss of engine power was the result of fuel exhaustion due to the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 24, 2023, at 1030 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built, Thatcher CX4 was substantially damaged during a forced landing near West Palm Beach, Florida. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the flight originated from Valdosta, Georgia (VLD), with Palm Beach County Park, Florida (LNA) as the destination. He scheduled a fuel stop at Marion County Airport, Florida (X35), where he stated the airplane was “topped off” with fuel before departing on the flight with 12 gallons onboard. After departing X35 around 0811, the pilot continued the planned route of flight, which overflew Sebring Regional Airport (SEF), Sebring, Florida. The pilot stated that the engine lost power during the final descent to LNA and that he subsequently performed a forced landing to a golf course during which the airplane impacted several palm trees. The pilot did not provide requested maintenance of fueling records, and therefore it’s fuel state at the time of departure could not be confirmed. Additionally, no fueling information from X35 was available for review. A postaccident examination of the airframe and the automotive conversion engine confirmed valvetrain and ignition continuity. No flight control anomalies were noted that would have prevented normal operation. Examination of the fuel tank revealed that it was void of fuel. The fuel tank was not breached, and less than 8 ounces of fuel were drained from the fuel system. The engine was found separated from the firewall, but there were no signs of fuel spillage around the airplane during the on-scene examination.