Jabiru J230-SP N667J accident near Center, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's improper preflight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, before departure, he noted that a NOTAM stated that fuel was not available at the airport where he had landed and had planned to refuel but that he felt he had sufficient fuel onboard to continue to another airport to get fuel if necessary. He assessed his fuel quantity and departed the airport, and subsequently, the engine lost power. He pitched the nose down, and the engine regained power, but the pilot realized that the fuel supply was almost exhausted. He attempted to maintain power and altitude but eventually chose to land in a field. He selected a touchdown point and circled to land, but the airplane did not complete the turn before he had to level the wings. The airplane touched down gently but overran the intended landing area, collided with a drainage culvert, and nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the composite fuselage and windscreen.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA067 for the full record.