Amateur-built Highlander N100GH accident near Waller, Texas

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, about 800 ft above ground level, the engine began to surge and lost power. In an effort to restore power, the pilot turned on the auxiliary fuel pump, but the engine did not restart. During a forced landing to a dirt road, the airplane touched down short of the road in a corn field, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.

The engine was subsequently removed for repair and the airplane was disassembled before the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) could conduct a detailed examination. When asked if the engine repair facility determined a cause for the loss of engine power, the pilot stated “No, the reason was lack of fuel in one tank which made the engine lose power and start surging.”

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA375 for the full record.