Ultralight America SPITFIRE II MODELCTV N6524R accident near Cameron, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control while maneuvering during a forced landing after a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The non-certificated pilot was conducting visual patterns in the experimental aircraft. While in the pattern, the airplane's engine began to sputter and lost partial power. The pilot examined the clear fuel lines and saw air bubbles. The pilot attempted to prime the engine to clear the air bubbles, but was not successful. The pilot then steered the aircraft toward the runway in an attempt to land quickly, but could not maintain level flight, so the pilot began a descending turn for the runway. Once the pilot realized that he would not make the landing surface due to strong winds, he elected to perform a forced landing to an open field. While maneuvering to land, a gust of wind increased the angle of bank and the pilot lost control of the airplane. The airplane impacted terrain nose-low, with approximately 45 degrees of bank. Substantial damage was sustained to the outboard portion of the left wing. The airplane was flown by the pilot and the previous owner prior to the accident without any problems. An examination of the fuel system and fuel lines did not reveal the source of air in the fuel lines.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA160 for the full record.