Amateur-built CUBY N437WT accident near Wimberley, Texas

Preliminary information

On December 26, 2025, about 1630 central standard time, an amateur-built Cuby airplane, N437WT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Wimberley, Texas. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot stated that while turning from the downwind to the base leg of the traffic pattern, the engine suffered an instantaneous, total loss of power. No indications or abnormalities were observed before the total loss of engine power. The pilot pitched the airplane for the best glide airspeed and set up for a forced landing. He verified that the fuel selectors were both in the “ON” position, the mixture lever was in the full rich position, the carburetor heat was “ON,” and the magneto positions were cycled. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, and engine power was restored for about 3 to 5 seconds before the engine lost total power again.

The pilot stated that the airplane did not have enough altitude to reach the first intended landing point and elected a new landing area. He executed the forced landing in a clearing with small cedar trees. The airplane came to rest upright after impacting several trees, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

Both fuel tanks remained intact with no observed fuel leakage, and there was about 1/3 capacity of fuel in each tank.

Flight data logs were recovered from the airplane’s avionics, and the wreckage was retained for further examination.

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA082 for the full record.