CEN21LA341

Factual narrative

The pilot stated the engine began to run rough during climb after takeoff. To restore full engine power, the pilot selected the left and right fuel tanks numerous times. The engine subsequently experienced a complete loss of power, and the pilot performed a forced landing on a field about one mile south of the airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage that included damage to the horizontal stabilizer. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane did not receive a recent annual inspection within the past 12 months, and there were several inspection panels within the airplane that were not installed. The right fuel tank was empty (except for unusable fuel), which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the airplane. The pilot reported that during the climb after takeoff, the engine began to run rough. To restore full engine power, the pilot selected the left and right fuel tanks numerous times. The engine subsequently experienced a complete loss of power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field about one mile south of the airport during which the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination revealed the airplane’s left fuel tank contained useable fuel. The airplane’s right fuel was empty (except for unusable fuel), which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Fluids/misc hardware-Fluids-Fuel-Fluid management
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Planning/preparation-Fuel planning-Pilot
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Rough terrain-Contributed to outcome