Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent landing on rough terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the weight-shift aircraft reported that, he was out for a pleasure flight and ran out of fuel and was forced to land on desert terrain. During the landing, the aircraft collided with vegetation which substantially damaged the fuselage. The pilot reported that a better preflight would have prevented this accident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA051 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 26, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lake Havasu, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cosmos PHASE II
- N-number
- N254DW
- Category
- Weight-shift
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.