Amateur-built SONERAI II L accident near Jean, Nevada, April 3, 2022
On April 3, 2022 at about 8:10 pm local time, a 1987 amateur-built SONERAI II L, registered N333BM, was substantially damaged in an accident during landing near Jean, Nevada (Jean 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 reported 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
- April 3, 2022 · about 8:10 pm local time
- Place
- Jean, Nevada · Jean Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person was seriously injured.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built SONERAI II L, built 1987
- Registration
- N333BM · no longer on the register · serial 1
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot stated that he added 3.8 gallons of fuel before departure but did not know the total amount of fuel on board. While en route, the pilot diverted to another airport due to strong headwinds. After passing over the airport and assessing the landing conditions, the engine sustained a loss of power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude and the airplane collided with the desert terrain adjacent to the runway. A postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical malfunction or failure. First responders stated that a visual examination of the fuel quantity indicator showed the fuel tank was empty. This was confirmed by opening the fuel cap, visually examining the inside of the tank, and then inserting a dipstick. Although the 10-gallon fuel tank was not breached during the accident, the gascolator drain sustained damage. Due to the damage of the gascolator, it is unknown if fuel leaked out of the system following the accident. Therefore, it could not be definitively determined if the loss of power was a result of fuel exhaustion, but no other anomalies could be found.
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
- Unknown or undetermined during landing defining event
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › (general) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 1,000 hours in all
- Medical certificate: Class 3
- Seat: rear
- Injury: serious injuries
The aircraft
- Last inspection: condition inspection
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Hapi 60-2DM (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: KIMG Kingman AZ at 7:30 pm
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 02, 4,600 ft by 75 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 340° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 77°F (25°C), dew point 32°F (0°C)
- Altimeter: 29.88 inHg
- Observation at 1:56 pm from KHND, 15 miles away
Weather report (METAR): KHND 032056Z 34007KT 10SM CLR 25/00 A2988 RMK AO2 SLP114 T02500000 58019
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
2 documents, released by the NTSB on March 20, 2024. 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 | Investigation Supplemental Information | PDF, 5 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Records of Conversation | 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.