Multiple Witnesses Observed Fire And A Trail Of Smoke Coming From The Rear Of The Experimental, Amateur-Built Airplane

Location: Banning, California Accident Number: WPR23FA044
Date & Time: November 22, 2022, 18:24 Local Registration: N101BH
Aircraft: Gallagher XLT-RG Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
Defining Event: Fire/smoke (non-impact) Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: Multiple witnesses observed fire and a trail of smoke coming from the rear of the experimental, amateur-built airplane as it flew overhead; the airplane was equipped with a rearmounted engine. The airplane appeared to be in a level flight attitude and the fire progressively worsened as it continued toward a nearby airport. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground about 11/2 miles northeast of the airport, where most of the airplane was consumed by a postcrash fire.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the inflight fire likely started near the turbocharger; however, the exact origin could not be determined due to damage from the inflight and postcrash fires. There were no other mechanical malfunctions or failures identified during the postaccident examination that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- An inflight engine fire for reasons that could not be determined that resulted in impact with terrain.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov