Amateur-built XLT-RG N101BH accident near Banning, California

Probable cause

An inflight engine fire for reasons that could not be determined that resulted in impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

Multiple witnesses observed fire and a trail of smoke coming from the rear of the experimental, amateur-built airplane as it flew overhead; the airplane was equipped with a rear-mounted engine. The airplane appeared to be in a level flight attitude and the fire progressively worsened as it continued toward a nearby airport. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground about 11/2 miles northeast of the airport, where most of the airplane was consumed by a postcrash fire.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the inflight fire likely started near the turbocharger; however, the exact origin could not be determined due to damage from the inflight and postcrash fires. There were no other mechanical malfunctions or failures identified during the postaccident examination that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23FA044 for the full record.