Van’s RV-7A, N425DG, fatal accident occurred on October 7, 2026, near Petaluma Municipal Airport (O69), Petaluma, California

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N425DG

- History of Flight:
On October 7, 2026, at about 1038 local time, a privately-registered, experimentally built Van’s RV-7A, N425DG, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Petaluma Municipal Airport (O69), Petaluma, California. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was originating at the time.

Recent flight-tracking history shows that the airplane was flying several short local flights out of Gnoss Field (DVO), Novato, California. On October 3rd, the airplane flew to San Rafael Airport (CA35), San Rafael, California, and on October 7th, the airplane arrived at Petaluma at 0931 local time following a 9 minute flight from CA35.

According to Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, at 1033, the airplane was seen taxing from the ramp to runway 29. At 1037:32, the airplane was seen about ~1200 ft down the 3600 ft runway with a reported groundspeed of 49 knots. At 1037:37, the airplane departed the runway surface with a groundspeed of 74 knots. At 1037:50, the airplane reached a maximum altitude of 300 ft, 89 knots groundspeed, and a positive rate of 960 feet per minute (fpm). The next few data points showed that the airplane started a right hand turn as the groundspeed started to drop and the average rate went all the way down to -1000 feet per minute (fpm). At 1038:05, the airplane was still in the right turn with a reported groundspeed of 63 knots when the average rate went up to 500 fpm. The last ADS-B data point was recorded at 1038:10 in the immediate area of the accident site and at the conclusion of the right turn. The airplane was 0.26 mile from the departure end of runway 29 at 200 ft, 63 knots, and 512 fpm.

Figure 1: General view of the ADS-B data

Figure 2: Closer view of right turn after crest of climb

Figure 3: ADS-B data ran through Flysto

Figure 4: ADS-B data ran through Flysto

The airplane impacted an open field and a post crash fire ensued.

A witness at the nearby golf course stated that the airplane sounded different and was flying real low and banking sharply before impact. Another witness, who was pilot-rated, stated that the engine was sputtering and it looked like (the accident pilot) was trying to turn back the runway and turn really hard.

An airport surveillance video captured the accident departure and audio. The video was not made public, but was given to the NTSB.

- Pilot Information:
Unknown.

- Airplane Information:
The accident aircraft, serial number 71782, was manufactured in 2007. It was a low-wing, two-seat, tricycle gear (with a front nose-wheel) airplane powered by a reciprocating engine.

According to the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) for an identical airplane:

The Stall Speed (CAS):

 Flaps Up, Power Off ………………………..…….54 knots

 Flaps Down, Power Off ……………………..……50 knots 

AIRSPEEDS FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

Engine Failure After Takeoff:

Wing Flaps Up ……………… 78 knots

Wing Flaps Down ………….. 70 knots

Maneuvering Speed (Va) …………. 123 knots

Maximum Glide ………………… 78 knots 

ENGINE FAILURES

ENGINE FAILURE DURING TAKEOFF RUN

1. Throttle –IDLE

2. Brakes – APPLY

3. Wing Flaps – RETRACT

4. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF

5. Ignition Switch – OFF

6. Master Switch – OFF

ENGINE FAILURE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF

1. Airspeed – 70 knots

2. Mixture – IDLE CUT-OFF

3. Fuel Selector Valve – OFF

4. Ignition Switch – OFF

5. Wing Flaps – AS REQUIRED

6. Master Switch – OFF 

- Wreckage and Impact Information:
The airplane impacted an open field next to the airport and a post crash fire ensued. The main wreckage consisted of the entire airplane which came to rest upright. Both wings and tail remained attached to the airframe. The entire airplane was thermally damaged. There was a little debris field leading to the main wreckage, the first identified point of impact was impact impressions from the right wing at the start of the debris field, the right wing was bent aft and showed more impact damage than the left wing. The impact appears consistent with a low altitude aerodynamic stall-spin/accelerated stall. The airplane most likely impacted terrain in a right wing low, nose down altitude.

Figure 6: Airplane impact sequence (own work, subject to change)

- Airport Information:
O69 is a public airport located 1 mile northeast of Petaluma, California. The airport's field elevation was 90.2 ft. The airport features a single asphalt runway 11/29 that is 3600 x 75 ft.

The north/east side of the airport consists of a golf course and open farm fields. The south/west sides consists of a residential area.

- Weather:
(1) Brief:

At 1035, the airport was reporting winds 3 knots at 260, 10 miles visibility, no clouds, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of mercury. The METAR did not list a temperature/dewpoint value.

The nearest airport, Gnoss Field, was reporting a 20°C temperature value at 1015. If we use this value, the calculated density altitude at O69 would have been 675 ft.

(2) METARs:

METAR KO69 071710Z AUTO VRB03KT 10SM CLR A2995 RMK A01

METAR KO69 071735Z AUTO 26003KT 10SM CLR A2995 RMK A01 <<<

METAR KO69 071750Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR A2995 RMK A01

(3) Area Forecast Discussion:

Lancair IV-P, N5SV, fatal accident occurred on October 7, 2026, near Hicks Airfield (T67), Fort Worth, Texas

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N5SV

- History of Flight:
On October 7, 2026, at about 0952 local time, a Lancair IV-P, N5SV, registered to Plane Metrics LLC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Hicks Airfield (T67), Fort Worth, Texas. The sole pilot onboard was fatally injured. The airplane was originating at the time.

Flight-tracking history shows that on September 23, 2026, the airplane arrived at T67 following a flight from Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS/KRVS), Tulsa, Oklahoma.

According to Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, at 0943, the pilot taxied the airplane from the hangar towards runway 14. At 0951:38, the pilot started his takeoff roll from the runway. At 0952:09, the airplane departed the runway surface with a groundspeed of 89 knots. At 0952:20, the airplane reached 775 ft and 114 knots with a climb rate of 200 feet per minute (fpm). The next few data points show a sudden and high increase in climb rate, which reached +1800 fpm at 0952:26, at the same time, the airplane was at 950 ft and started a left hand turn with a groundspeed of 89 knots. The last ADS-B data point was recorded at 0952:40 in the vicinity of the the accident site, the airplane was at 800 ft, 81 knots, and -1856 feet per minute (fpm).

Figure: ADS-B exchange data

Figure 2: ADS-B data ran through Google Earth

The airplane impacted powerlines and a post crash fire ensued.

- Pilot Information:
Unknown.

- Airplane Information:
The accident aircraft, serial number LIV-375, was manufactured in 2000. It was a 4-seat, pressurized, low-wing airplane equipped with a retractable tricycle landing gear, electrically actuated wing flaps. The airframe was constructed of high temperature, epoxy prepreg, carbon fiber materials.

The airplane was equipped with a Continental TSIO 550E reciprocating engine, s/n: 803077, which drove a 4-bladed Hartzell #PHC H3YF-1RF # HR74A constant speed propeller.

According to an old sale listing, the airplane was equipped with the following: "• Garmin GNS 530 IFR GPS Nav/Com/G.S. • Garmin GNS 430 IFR GPS Nav/Com/G.S. • S-Tec H.S.I. Integrated to Garmin 530 • Garmin GTX 327 Transponder/Encoder • Quick Mount for Garmin 496 • Garmin Audio Panel with Intercom."

According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), the VS1 (stall speed. clean) was 88 KIAS. The Vso (stall. in landing configuration) was 64 KIAS.

On May 4, 2026, the airplane was involved in a takeoff incident at KVGT, at the time I wrote the following description:

"On May 4, 2026, at about 1728 local time, a Lancair IV-P, N5SV, registered to Plane Metrics LLC, sustained unknown damage when it was involved in an incident at the North Las Vegas Airport (VGT/KVGT), Las Vegas, Nevada. The pilot and passenger were not injured.

The FAA reported that: "Aircraft attempted to abort takeoff and drifted into the dirt clipping a runway light." ADS-B data shows that the airplane taxied from the ramp and began departing from the intersection of runway 12R and runway 7. The airplane used ~2200 ft of the 5000 ft runway before it commenced an aborted takeoff at 95 knots groundspeed. The airplane would travel an additional 2160 ft before it drifted to the left off the departure end and came to a stop. At 1653, the winds were from 180° at 16 knots, gusting 22 knots."

- Wreckage and Impact Information:
The airplane collided with a powerline and came to rest upright about 0.55 mile from the departure end of the runway. The airplane was consumed by a post crash fire. Both wings remained attached to the airframe, but sustained significant thermal damage. The engine remained attached to the airframe and sustained impact and thermal damage. The tail was impact damaged and separated from the airframe and was free of fire damage. It appears the tail was separated by the impact with the powerline.

Figure: Airplane as it came to rest, note tail in background

- Airport Information:
Hicks Airfield is a non-towered public airport located 14 miles northwest of Fort Worth, Texas. The airport field elevation was 855 ft. The airport features a single asphalt runway 14/32 which is 3740 x 60 ft

- Weather:

Weather conditions at the time included calm winds, 10 miles visibility, temperature 24 °C, dewpoint 14 °C, and an altimeter setting of 30.05 inches of mercury. The calculated density altitude was 1995 ft.

METAR KAFW 071353Z 00000KT 10SM CLR 20/14 A3003 RMK AO2 SLP158 T02000144 $

METAR KAFW 071453Z 00000KT 10SM CLR 24/14 A3005 RMK AO2 SLP163 T02390139 53017 $

METAR KAFW 071553Z VRB03KT 10SM FEW010 27/13 A3005 RMK AO2 SLP163 FU FEW010 T02720128 $

Cessna 525 Citation CJ1, N600AL, accident occurred on October 7, 2026, at Bedford County Airport (HMZ/KHMZ), Bedford, Pennsylvania

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N600AL

- History of Flight:
On October 7, 2026, at about 1040 local time, a Cessna 525 Citation CJ1, N600AL, registered to Shobers Equipment LLC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at Bedford County Airport (HMZ/KHMZ), Bedford, Pennsylvania. The two pilots onboard suffered minor injuries. The flight was destined to Martin State Airport (MTN/KMTN), Baltimore, Maryland.

There is no ADS-B data for the accident flight. The airplane was reportedly departing runway 14 when the accident happened. The airplane went through the airport fence, crossed a road, and came to rest upright in an open field. A post crash fire ensued and consumed the jet.

- Airport Information:
KHMZ is a non-towered public airport located 4 miles north of Bedford, Pennsylvania. The airport field elevation was 1161.7 ft. The airport features a single asphalt runway 14/32 which is 5006 x 75 ft.

- Weather:

METAR KHMZ 071435Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 10/07 A3002 RMK AO2 T01010066

METAR KHMZ 071455Z AUTO 15003KT 10SM CLR 12/07 A3002 RMK AO2 T01230065

Diamond DA40 Diamond Star XLS, N162GL, fatal accident occurred on October 4, 2026, near Boulder, Colorado

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N162GL

- History of Flight:
On October 4, 2026, at about 2129 local time, a Diamond DA40 Diamond Star XLS, N162GL, registered to Boulder Aviation Partners LLC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Boulder, Colorado. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The personal flight originated from Vance Brand Airport (LMO/KLMO), Longmont, Colorado, at 1832.

According to recent flight-tracking history, On September 27, 2026, at 0903, the airplane departed LMO on a flight to Sterling Municipal Airport (STK/KSTK), Sterling, Colorado, where it landed at roughly 1000. The airplane departed on a return trip to LMO at 1134. On October 2, 2026, at 1457, the airplane departed LMO on a flight to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE/KEGE), Gypsum, Colorado. The return trip to LMO was initiated at 1652. In these four flights, the airplane followed usual and uneventful paths.

According to Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, at 1830, the airplane taxied from the ramp to runway 29 at LMO and initiated a takeoff without making any traffic calls. At the same time, a Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N927TS, was in the pattern for runway 11. The Cessna attempted to call out the Diamond several times, but without response. The Diamond continued its departure and the Cessna circled around to avoid it. A few seconds later, the pilot of the Cessna was heard saying: "Hey, 2GL, thanks so much for cutting us off in the traffic pattern," and "There’s someone on upwind for 29 who’s being really dangerous." The Diamond continued its climb to 10,000 ft and did not respond to the Cessna (see figures).

Figure 1: Cessna (blue) in pattern and Diamond taxiing (red)

Figure 2: Cessna (blue) in pattern avoiding the Diamond takeoff (red)

The airplane continued south and over mountainous terrain in a very erratic flight path. At 1851, the airplane initiated a 4000 feet per minute (fpm) descent from 11,100 ft over mountainous terrain, reaching 194 knots groundspeed at one specific point (According to the flight manual, the never exceed speed (Vne) for this airplane was 178 KIAS). The airplane continued to fly in a series of erratic turns. At 1902, the airplane climbed to 12,500 ft and headed west along mountainous terrain. At 1947, the airplane entered a series of turns and maneuvers over the mountains at 13,000 ft before proceeding east. At about 2045, the airplane reached the area where it initially started its erratic path west of Boulder, Colorado, and proceeded to conduct a series of erratic turns and maneuvers as described before. The last segment of the track, recorded at 2128:57, showed the airplane on a 270° heading and descending towards mountainous terrain from an altitude of  7,250 ft with an initial groundspeed of 133 knots. The last ADS-B data point was recorded at 7,000 ft, 145 knots, and +500 feet per minute (fpm) rate.

Figure 3: Entire ADS-B exchange track ran through Flysto with groundspeed data overlay

Figure 4: Takeoff from LMO

Figure 5: Entire Track (3D)

Figure 6: End of Flysto track

Figure 7: View from mountainous terrain of last section of track (Google Earth)

Figure 8: Another view with a line extended from the last data point

The airplane was reported missing and located the next day.

- Pilot Information:
Unknown.

- Airplane Information:
The accident airplane, serial number 40.1162, was manufactured in 2012. It was a 4-seat, low-wing, all-composite airplane powered by a Lycoming IO-360-M1A+ engine that drove a two-bladed Hartzell propeller. The airplane was issued a certification on 10/23/2021.

An old sale ad listed that the airplane was equipped for IFR flight and a Garmin G-1000 with an Active Traffic and Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT).

- Wreckage and Impact Information:
Unknown.

- Weather:

METAR KBDU 050255Z AUTO 24007KT 10SM CLR 21/M03 A3029 RMK AO2=

METAR KBDU 050315Z AUTO 18003KT 10SM CLR 21/M03 A3030 RMK AO2=

METAR KBDU 050335Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 18/M01 A3030 RMK AO2=

METAR KBDU 050355Z AUTO 22004KT 10SM CLR 16/00 A3030 RMK AO2=

METAR K0CO 050255Z AUTO 29012KT 10SM CLR 05/M06 A3079 RMK AO2=

METAR K0CO 050315Z AUTO 29010KT 10SM CLR 05/M06 A3080 RMK AO2=

METAR K0CO 050335Z AUTO 29009KT 10SM CLR 05/M06 A3080 RMK AO2=

METAR K0CO 050355Z AUTO 28009KT 10SM CLR 05/M05 A3081 RMK AO2=

METAR KBJC 050255Z AUTO 25004KT 10SM CLR 18/01 A3033 RMK AO2=

METAR KBJC 050315Z AUTO 25005KT 10SM CLR 17/00 A3033 RMK AO2=

METAR KBJC 050335Z AUTO 25003KT 10SM CLR 17/00 A3033 RMK AO2=

METAR KBJC 050355Z AUTO 17004KT 10SM CLR 17/M01 A3034 RMK AO2=

Hughes 269B, N9390F, fatal accident occurred on October 6, 2026, near Medley, West Virginia

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N9390F

- History of Flight:
On October 6, 2026, at about 1652 local time, a privately-registered Hughes 269B helicopter, N9390F, was destroyed when it impacted open field terrain near Medley, West Virginia. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The local flight originated from the area.

The circumstances of the accident are unknown. There is no ADS-B data for the accident flight or any recent flight history.

The pilot, aged 72, held an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane single engine land and multi engine land ratings. He also held commercial privileges for airplane single engine and multi engine sea, rotorcraft helicopter, instrument helicopter, and a glider rating. He held type ratings in the Boeing 727, DC-8, Emb-110, HS-125, and SA-227. The pilot also held a flight instructor certificate with an airplane single and multi engine land and instrument ratings. He also held a ground instructor, a flight engineer, and mechanic certificates. His FAA BasicMed Course was dated 3/16/2025.

The accident helicopter, serial number 74-0114, was most recently issued a certificate on 6/11/2026. It was a two-seat helicopter and powered by a Lycoming HIO-360-A1A reciprocating engine rated at 180 Horsepower.

There was a nearby private use airstrip to the accident site, Heaven's Landing Airstrip (4WV4), which is located 1 mile west of Medley. This airstrip was owned by the pilot and his wife and featured a 2000 x 60 ft. turf runway 6/24. The helicopter's registration address was this airstrip, also registered to the airstrip/pilot was a 1978 Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N6137E, that was recently flown on September 25, 2026.

- Weather:

METAR KW99 062035Z AUTO 08003KT 10SM CLR 19/03 A3008 RMK AO2 T01860026 $

METAR KW99 062055Z AUTO VRB03KT 10SM CLR 19/03 A3008 RMK AO2 T01860032 56030 $

Pitts S-2B Special, N12CK, accident occurred on October 5, 2026, near Yuma, Arizona

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N12CK

- History of Flight:
On October 5, 2026, at about 0819 local time, a privately-registered Pitts S-2B Special, N12CK, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Yuma, Arizona. The pilot was seriously injured. The local flight originated from Yuma MCAS/Yuma International Airport (NYL/KNYL), Yuma, Arizona.

The FAA reported that the airplane crashed while performing stunt maneuvers. The NTSB is investigating. There is no ADS-B data for the accident flight.

The airplane came to rest on its side in an open field and was not consumed by a post crash fire. The wreckage showed various degrees of deformations and severe impact damage. However, the cockpit area holding the pilot remained mostly intact.

Lancair IV-P Propjet, N5UC, accident occurred on October 4, 2026, near Ontario, Oregon

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N5UC

- History of Flight:
On October 4, 2026, at about 1821 local time, a Lancair IV-P Propjet, N5UC, registered to R V Stich Construction Inc, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Ontario, Oregon. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight originated from Ontario Airport (ONO/KONO), Ontario, Oregon, at 1818.

The FAA reported that the airplane crashed into a field for unknown reasons.

Preliminary ADS-B data shows that the airplane climbed to 3,400 ft before it initiated a descending left hand turn. The airplane was unable to maintain altitude and eventually landed in a field.

- Weather:

METAR KONO 042253Z AUTO 32004KT 10SM CLR 28/04 A3006 RMK AO2 SLP173 T02780039

METAR KONO 042353Z AUTO 02004KT 10SM CLR 28/03 A3004 RMK AO2 SLP164 T02830033 10283 20189 56020