Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation resulting from a partially crimped fuel tank vent tube.
NTSB analysis
During the second flight of the homebuilt airplane, the engine lost power and the pilot made a forced landing on a residential street. Witnesses said the airplane veered off the street into a ditch and struck a mailbox. Damage included buckling of the engine mount and fuselage as well as separation of the right main gear, and approximately three feet of the outboard portion of the right wing. Due to the pilot's injuries, he had no recollection of the flight. Examination of the aircraft by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed a partially crimped forward fuel tank vent tube.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA382 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 24, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Beach City, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Rwj Air Park (54T)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built DEUCE
- N-number
- N26MR
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.