Amateur-built RV8 accident near Smithville, Texas, December 10, 2024
On December 10, 2024 at about 5:30 pm local time, a 2003 amateur-built RV8, registered N42CS, was substantially damaged in an accident during takeoff near Smithville, Texas (Smithville Crawford Muni airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person was seriously injured. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- December 10, 2024 · about 5:30 pm local time
- Place
- Smithville, Texas · Smithville Crawford Muni · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built RV8, built 2003
- Registration
- N42CS · no longer on the register · serial 80546
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The airplane was filled with fuel before takeoff. Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of 100 to 150 ft above ground level (agl) the airplane’s engine began to lose power and then lost total power. The pilot reported he leveled the wings; however, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall before it descended and impacted an open field. The engine started and ran to normal operating power during a postaccident engine test run. Although the engine continued to operate although the ignition switch was moved to the “off” position, the issue would not have led to a loss of power. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Aerodynamic stall/spin during takeoff
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during uncontrolled descent
- Unknown or undetermined during takeoff defining event
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine (reciprocating) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: airline transport pilot, commercial pilot, flight engineer
- Ratings: multi-engine land; single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 24,000 hours in all; 795 in this make and model
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: frt
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 985.7 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, October 9, 2024; 10 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,800 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming IO-360-B1B (piston); 985 hours total
The flight
- Destination: KHYI San Marcos TX
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 350° at 11 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: overcast at 2,000 ft
- Temperature: 55°F (13°C), dew point 46°F (8°C)
- Altimeter: 30.13 inHg
- Observation at 11:35 am from KGYB, 13 miles away
Weather report (METAR): KGYB 101735Z AUTO 35011G20KT 10SM OVC020 13/08 A3013 RMK AO2 T01250080
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Photographs from the investigation 2 pictures from the NTSB's docket, as the NTSB released them
The NTSB's photographs with the NTSB's captions, at screen size. Open a picture to see it full size or to report one that should not be shown.
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
4 documents, released by the NTSB on May 6, 2025. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 11 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Investigative Photos | PDF, 3 pages · our copy | View Download |
| 3 | Engine Run Notes | PDF, 3 pages | View Download |
| 4 | Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.