NTSB Factual Report

On June 6, 2015, at 0815 central daylight time, an amateur-built Belcher CH601XLB, N274AJ, collided with a residential carport following a loss of engine power in Alpine, Texas. The private pilot received minor injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a post-maintenance test flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The flight originated from Alpine Casparis Municipal Airport (E38), Alpine, Texas, about 0810.

The pilot, who is an airframe and powerplant mechanic, built the aircraft. He stated the engine was experiencing low oil pressure and he worked on the oil system the day prior to the accident. On the day of the accident, he taxied the airplane for about 20 minutes and the engine operated normally during the taxi tests. He took off on the post maintenance test flight and the engine performed normally during the takeoff. A few minutes later, the engine started to sputter and lost all power.

The pilot selected a small open area in which to land. During the forced landing approach, the pilot saw wires across the flight path, so he elected to fly under them. The airplane contacted the lowest wire and the airplane nosed down into a residential carport.

The pilot reported that he examined the engine after the accident. He reported that he failed to adjust the fuel flow when he installed a high pressure fuel pump on the engine which resulted in insufficient fuel to the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot/builder's failure to properly adjust the fuel flow, which resulted in reduced flow to the engine and a subsequent total loss of engine power.