Diamond DA40 NG Diamond Star, N708BL, accident occurred on January 27, 2026, near Bay Minette Airport (1R8), Bay Minette, Alabama

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N708BL

- History of Flight:
On January 27, 2026, at about 1039 local time, a Diamond DA40 NG Diamond Star, N708BL, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain while on approach to Bay Minette Airport (1R8), Bay Minette, Alabama. The flight instructor and student pilot suffered minor injuries. The cross-country training flight originated from Pensacola Regional Airport (PNS/KPNS), Pensacola, Florida, at 1010 LT.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft crashed under unknown circumstances short of the runway." Local law enforcement reported that the aircraft suffered a loss of engine power and came down in a wooded area short of the airport due to "low altitude."

ADS-B data indicates the airplane was on approach to land on runway 26. The last ADS-B return was recorded 1.30 miles short of the airport.

- Weather:

METAR K1R8 271615Z AUTO VRB04G10KT 10SM CLR 01/M11 A3059 RMK AO2

METAR K1R8 271640Z AUTO 32003KT 10SM CLR 01/M11 A3058 RMK AO2 <<

METAR K1R8 271650Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 02/M12 A3057 RMK AO2 <<

METAR K1R8 271710Z AUTO VRB03KT 10SM CLR 03/M10 A3055 RMK AO2

Figure 1: Final portion of flight on ADS-B exchange