ERA23LA241

The pilot reported that about 30 minutes into the flight, at 3,400 ft mean sea level, the electric fuel pump light extinguished, meaning that the selected pump was not operating. The engine subsequently lost all power. He reversed course, changed to the other fuel pump, and the engine restarted. About 6-7 minutes later, the fuel pump light extinguished again, followed by another total loss of engine power. He maneuvered to a nearby field for a forced landing; however, the main landing gear struck a tree and the airplane spun to the ground. The wreckage came to rest inverted in a wooded area and there was no fire. The pilot, who built the airplane, sustained serious injuries and the airframe was substantially damaged. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted a cursory examination of the airplane at the accident site but was unable to examine the engine. The wreckage was recovered to the pilot’s personal hangar. The NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) interviewed the pilot after the accident and requested that he preserve the wreckage and advise on a date where an examination of the engine and fuel system could be performed. Despite making several attempts to coordinate a wreckage examination over the course of four months, the pilot eventually responded that he had disposed of most of the wreckage. Since the wreckage was not available to be examined, the reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

On May 17, 2023, about 1700 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built BDB001, N191CK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Wadesboro, North Carolina. The private pilot had minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed from Anson County Airport (AFP), Wadesboro, North Carolina, for Foothills Regional Airport (MRN), Morganton, North Carolina, with 30 gallons of fuel on board. About 30 minutes into the flight, at 3,400 ft mean sea level, the electric fuel pump light extinguished, meaning that the selected pump was not operating. The engine subsequently lost all power. He reversed course, changed to the other fuel pump, and the engine restarted. About 6-7 minutes later, the fuel pump light extinguished again, followed by another total loss of engine power. He maneuvered to a nearby field for a forced landing; however, the main landing gear struck a tree and the airplane spun to the ground. The wreckage came to rest inverted in a wooded area and there was no fire. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. Substantial damage was confirmed to the fuselage, empennage, and wings. An examination of the engine could not be performed on scene. The airplane was equipped with a Chevrolet LS3 376 Corvette engine. The pilot designed the fuel system and built the airplane, which was a ¾-scale P-51 Mustang replica. During an interview on June 15, 2023, the pilot reported that the wreckage was recovered to his personal hangar. The NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) requested access to the wreckage and the pilot’s assistance in examining it. The pilot stated that his injuries prevented an examination at the time; however, he would advise when his health improved. The IIC subsequently attempted to correspond with the pilot four times over a four-month period, requesting an update on his recovery and a date for an examination of the wreckage. The pilot did not respond to those inquiries. On October 20, 2023, the pilot responded to an email by stating that the wreckage had been disposed of, except for some fuel system parts he saved in a box. Also, the pilot did not submit NTSB Form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, as requested.