Fire/smoke (non-impact): Rutan Long-EZ, N88LE, accident occurred on February 1, 2025, at Sparta Community-Hunter Field Airport (SAR/KSAR), Sparta, Illinois

• Location: Sparta, Illinois
• Accident Number: CEN25LA090 
• Date & Time: February 1, 2025, 13:50 Local 
• Registration: N88LE 
• Aircraft: Rutan Long-EZ 
• Aircraft Damage: Destroyed 
• Defining Event: Fire/smoke (non-impact) 
• Injuries: 1 None 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/199639/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=199639

The pilot reported that he taxied to the runway and performed an engine runup. During the runup, the pilot noticed that one of the magnetos was not operating properly, so he started to taxi back to his hangar. While taxing back to the hangar, he smelled burning wire insulation, and shortly after the engine stopped. He attempted to restart the engine three times. On the third restart attempt, he noticed that flames were coming out from the right wing near the fuel cap. He immediately exited the airplane and called the fire department. The airplane was destroyed by the fire.

Due to the damage caused by the fire, an examination of the airplane components to determine the source of the fire was not possible.

- Probable Cause: An onboard fire for unknown reasons.