Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight. The airplane was at 4,500 ft mean sea level and descending when the low fuel pressure light illuminated; the engine immediately lost all power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a road, during which the airplane hit tree branches and veered off the road, resulting in substantial damage.
A postaccident examination revealed only a small amount of fuel in the fuel tanks; neither tank was breached. There was no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The circumstances are consistent with a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19TA335 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 18, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- De Soto, Mississippi
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Vans RV 4
- N-number
- N64HS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1986
- 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.