Accident Summary
On April 11, 2023, at approximately 2113 central daylight time, a Ryan Navion A airplane, registration N4229K, was involved in an accident near New Waverly, Texas. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that, following a night cross-country flight, he overflew his private airport at 1,500 ft above mean sea level to check the solar lights. Unable to see them, he climbed to 2,000 ft and turned left toward Conroe. During the turn, the engine began to cut out. The pilot initiated emergency procedures but could not restore power, leading to a forced landing. He lowered the landing gear at 500 ft and turned on the landing lights; at 400 ft, a tree appeared in front of the right wing. The airplane struck several trees before impacting the ground, resulting in damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.
Before the accident leg, the airplane had approximately 89.5 gallons of fuel distributed among a main tank (39.5 gallons), tip tanks (40 gallons), and an auxiliary baggage compartment tank (10 gallons). After that flight, about 45 gallons remained. The pilot added 52 gallons before the accident flight, bringing the total to about 100 gallons.
Postaccident Examination
When the airplane was recovered, the fuel tanks were drained and a small sample was collected in a clear glass jar. After settling, a dark green sediment was observed in the sample. During examination of the fuel system, a material consistent with the sediment was found in the fuel manifold distributor. No other preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were noted that would have precluded normal operation.