Amateur-built JA35 SUPERSTOL N799CP accident near Moorpark, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an off airport precautionary landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the flight with a possible mechanical malfunction.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during a series of take offs and landings, the “A line red light” for the engine’s fuel pump illuminated, twice. Both times, he shut down the engine to reset the engine’s computer and restarted the engine. The pilot reported knowledge of a potential mechanical malfunction prior to leaving the airport environment, during the accident flight. He continued the flight to a remote area where the light illuminated again, followed by the low-pressure fuel warning light. The pilot elected to land the airplane on a deserted dirt road. While landing, the sun impeded his vision and the airplane landed beside the road, on rough terrain. During the landing roll, the airplane’s main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA181 for the full record.