Accident Details
On February 15, 2019, at about 1600 central standard time, an experimental, amateur-built Vans RV-8, registration N737MC, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Horseshoe Bay, Texas. The airline transport pilot and a passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot reported that the flight originated from Lakeway Airpark (3R9), Lakeway, Texas, with full fuel tanks (43 gallons total). After a leg to Northwest Regional Airport (52F) in Roanoke, Texas, the pilot estimated fuel consumption of about 11–12 gallons. Before landing at 52F, the pilot switched fuel tanks, and after landing the fuel gauges indicated about 10 gallons in each tank, though the pilot noted that with the tailwheel on the ground the gauges read approximately 1.5 to 2.5 gallons higher than an inflight reading with the fuselage level.
Departing 52F for Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport (DZB), the airplane consumed about 11 gallons. After departure from DZB, while climbing through about 1,800 ft above mean sea level, the pilot adjusted the throttle for climb power. As he reached for the fuel/air mixture control and fuel boost pump switch, the engine lost total power. The pilot executed a forced landing, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage.
Witness Accounts
The passenger reported hearing a "chugging" sound from the engine about 30 to 40 seconds after takeoff and observed the propeller "turning less than normal." The passenger estimated the airplane was below 1,000 ft above ground level at the time of the power loss and noted that the airplane began to turn but the pilot realized it could not return to the airport. Several witnesses heard the engine "sputtering" after takeoff. One witness, a pilot, saw the airplane turn left as if attempting to return.
Postaccident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the accident site and the airplane. The inspector reported no fuel present in the two breached fuel tanks, no signs of fuel on the ground, and no vegetation affected by fuel. First responders noted no fuel at the scene and no postimpact fire. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies. A Shadin Fuel Flow Indicator installed in the airplane powered on with a "GOOD" indicator and displayed 17.8 gallons of fuel remaining and 23.2 gallons of fuel used. The unit calculates fuel quantity based on the pilot's input of total fuel before flight.