Probable cause
The malfunction of the fuel line, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The amateur-built Rans S12XL's engine lost power while making an overhead approach to the destination airport. The pilot then performed an emergency landing in the grass to the west of the single runway, and during the landing roll the left main gear "went into a hole and collapsed." During the collapse, the structural tubing of the fuselage was damaged. Examination of the fuel system revealed that the fuel supply line to the fuel pump was cracked, resulting in fuel starvation to the engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA147 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 21, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wauchula, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Wachula Municipal Airport (CHN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Rans, Inc. S12XL
- N-number
- N166LS
- 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.