MATESI EUGENE E LANCAIR 320

Full Narrative

On July 27, 2025, about 2001 central daylight time, a Lancair 320 airplane, N70337, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Wink, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that the accident flight was to pick up the airplane that he had recently purchased in Mesa, Arizona. During the flight, he noticed that the fuel level in both main fuel tanks was dropping at a faster rate than expected and eventually indicated empty. A short time later, the engine began to run rough, and the pilot attempted to troubleshoot the engine issue, but was unsuccessful. The engine subsequently lost total power. The pilot declared an emergency and air traffic control directed him to the nearest airport near Wink. He realized that he would not make it to the airport, so he chose to conduct an off-field landing. During the landing, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and fuselage.
Postaccident examination showed that the 10-gallon header tank was full of fuel, and fuel was found in the fuel line to the fuel manifold.
The airplane was retained for further examination.