Accident Details
On December 4, 2021, at 1630 central standard time, a Vans RV8, registration N421RT, was involved in an accident near Wichita Falls, Texas. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot and passenger received serious injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Statement
The pilot-rated passenger, who was also the airplane's owner and builder, reported that while returning to the departure airport for landing, the engine experienced a total loss of power on final approach. The pilot executed a forced landing along the final approach path. During the landing, both wings sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that useable fuel was present in the left fuel tank, while no useable fuel was found in the right fuel tank. A witness who responded to the accident site turned the fuel selector from the right fuel tank to the off position. The examination found no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.