Probable cause
A failure of the electric fuel boost pump, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport pilot reported that he was flying his experimental, amateur-built airplane about 500 ft above ground level over his ranch when he smelled something burning. About 15 seconds later, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and the propeller stopped spinning. The airplane impacted a ditch and nosed over during the subsequent forced landing. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the inline electric boost pump had overheated and burned, which resulted in a loss of fuel supply to the engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA219 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 6, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Decatur, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built R 80 TIGER MOTH
- N-number
- N8CX
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.