Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during the forced landing. Contributing factors were the non-suitable terrain for the forced landing and the pilot's lack of experience in the airplane.
NTSB analysis
While in cruise flight the experimental airplaneās single engine lost complete power. Following an unsuccessful engine restart attempt, the pilot with one hour in airplane make and model, elected to perform a forced landing to a clearing. While about 50 feet above the ground, the airplane stalled and entered a spin. Moments later the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest nose pointing upward with the pilot elevated about eight feet above the ground. The pilot released his seatbelt, fell to the ground, and was able to pull himself away from the wreckage. There was no post crash fire. An airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic examined the engine for the IIC. The examination did not reveal the cause of the loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08LA106 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 19, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Groveton, Texas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built BREEZY RLU-1
- N-number
- N3921
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.