Amateur-built WHITE LIGHTNING N25WL accident near Las Vegas, New Mexico

Probable cause

A reported partial loss of engine power during cruise flight for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during cruise flight, the engine’s power decreased to a point where the pilot decided to make a precautionary landing at an airport that he had just overflown. However, after making the 180° turn, the airplane could not maintain airspeed or altitude, and the pilot chose to land on a dirt road. During the landing roll, the left wing separated after impacting a fence.

The wreckage was subsequently disposed of by the pilot (who owned the airplane), which precluded postaccident examination of the airframe. A repair facility purchased the engine and repeated attempts to gather additional information from the facility were unsuccessful. According to the pilot, the repair facility inspected the engine and found no mechanical anomalies. Based on this information, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA304 for the full record.