Aviation Crash Map

Belcher CH601XLB N274AJ

6 June 2015 · Alpine, Texas, United States · Minor injuries

Summary

On 6 June 2015 at about 13:15 local time, a Belcher CH601XLB registered N274AJ was involved in an accident near Alpine, Texas, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

The record

Date
at 13:15
Classification
Accident
Location
Alpine, Texas, United States
Nearest airport
Alpine Casparis Municipal (E38)
Coordinates
30.3675, -103.6836
Aircraft
Belcher CH601XLB
Registration
N274AJ
Category
Airplane
Year built
2014
Engines
1
Operator
Not recorded
Operating rule
Part 91: General Aviation
Purpose of flight
Flight Test
Phase of flight
Not recorded
Route
Alpine → Alpine
Aircraft damage
Substantial
Weather
VMC
Light
Day
NTSB number
CEN15LA263

People

1 person had minor injuries.

On board Died Serious Minor Uninjured
1 0 0 1 0

Probable cause

The pilot/builder's failure to properly adjust the fuel flow, which resulted in reduced flow to the engine and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot/builder, an airframe and powerplant mechanic, stated that the engine had been experiencing low oil pressure and that he performed work on the oil system the day before the accident. On the day of the accident, he taxied the airplane for about 20 minutes and did not observe any anomalies. He then departed on a postmaintenance test flight. A few minutes after takeoff, the engine sputtered and experienced a total loss of power. The pilot selected a small open area in which to land. During the forced landing approach, the pilot saw wires across the flight path and attempted to fly under them. The airplane contacted the lowest wire and the airplane nosed down into a carport alongside a residence. The pilot reported that he examined the engine after the accident. He stated that he failed to adjust the fuel flow after installing a high-pressure fuel pump, which resulted in insufficient fuel flow to the engine.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.

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