Less Than 8 Ounces Of Fuel Was Drained From The Fuel System

Location: West Palm Beach, FL Accident Number: ERA23LA206
Date & Time: April 24, 2023, 10:30 Local Registration: N7555X
Aircraft: Thatcher CX4 Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 24, 2023, at 1030 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built, Thatcher CX4, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near West Palm Beach, Florida. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot was unable to provide an initial statement due to his injuries. Witnesses at a golf club reported that the airplane struck palm trees during an emergency landing, resulting in substantial airframe damage.

Examination of the wreckage was performed by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The examination revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The inspector noted that the airplane’s fuel tank was not breached and void of fuel. Additionally, less than 8 ounces of fuel was drained from the fuel system. The engine was separated from the firewall, and all fuel lines were broken; however, the FAA inspector did not observe any evidence of fuel spillage around the wreckage.

The wreckage was recovered for further examination. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov