Amateur-built Propjet N750PJ accident near Camarillo, California

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to air within the fuel system.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while transitioning from climb to cruise, the engine lost power with no engine sounds or instrument indications of a pending engine failure. The pilot noted white smoke emanating from the exhaust stacks as he began a 180-degree turn back towards the runway. He stated that overrun barriers were on the runway and that he had to maintain a faster airspeed in order to clear the runway overrun barriers before he could land the airplane. After clearing the overrun barriers, he landed the airplane and applied maximum braking in an attempt to stop the airplane on the remaining runway. During the landing rollout, the airplane exited the runway, struck a pile of dirt and flipped over, causing structural damage to the left wing, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. Examination of the aircraft indicated a significant amount of air bubbles in the fuel system, but no further engine anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08LA195 for the full record.