NTSB Factual Report

On June 6, 2016, about 1730 central daylight time, an amateur built Flohr David J R-80 Tiger Moth airplane, N8CX, nosed down during an off airport forced landing in Decatur, Texas, following a loss of engine power. The airline transport rated pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to a private individual and was operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from the Lazy G Bar Ranch Airport (90T), Decatur, Texas.

The pilot reported he was flying at an altitude of about 500 ft above the ground over his ranch when the accident occurred. He stated he smelled something burning and about 15 seconds later, the engine lost all power and the propeller stopped spinning. The airplane hit a ditch and nosed over during the forced landing resulting in substantial damage to both lower wings.

The pilot reported the previous owner of the airplane had installed a Facet 150 electric boost pump to increase the fuel flow. The pilot examined the engine after the accident and stated the inline electric boost pump overheated, burned, and shut down the fuel supply to the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

A failure of the electric fuel boost pump, which resulted in fuel starvation and a subsequent total loss of engine power.