On January 26, 2021, about 1530 central standard time, a Zenair Zodiac 601 HDS airplane, N444PZ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Waller, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot recalled that the preflight run-up and takeoff were normal, and that the engine seemed to be producing “plenty of power.” However, about 150 to 200 ft above ground level, the pilot heard two “pops,” and the engine lost power. He executed a forced landing to an open field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

The Federal Aviation Administration inspector on-scene after the accident noted that the fuel line at the engine-driven (mechanical) fuel pump inlet was separated from the pump fitting. A postrecovery engine examination did not reveal any anomalies with respect to the engine assembly or the reduction gearbox. During the examination, minimal fuel (one drop) was found in the engine-driven fuel pump, and no fuel was found in either carburetor bowl.