Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate fuel management which resulted in the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during takeoff, the engine lost power. During the forced landing, the airplane struck power lines, nosed over, and impacted terrain. The fuselage and the right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and that the reason for the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA146 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 28, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Watsonville, California
- Nearest airport
- Watsonville Muni (WVI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P2002 SIERRA
- N-number
- N656DF
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.