CEN22LA071

Factual 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. 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. 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-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot