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=N601LL
- History of Flight:
On January 29, 2026, at about 1204 local time, a privately-registered Zenith CH601XL Zodiac, N601LL, sustained unknown damage in a forced landing near Daphne, Alabama. The pilot was not injured. The flight originated from the Collier Airpark (2AL1), Foley, Alabama, at 1145 LT.
The FAA reported: "Aircraft attempted to land in a field for unknown reasons and came to rest in a ditch." The pilot reported to local news that he believes he had an engine failure. ADS-B data show the airplane cruising through 2,700 ft when it entered a descending 180 turn and ended up in a residential area shortly aftewards.
On January 10, 2026, the following was posted by the registered owner on Facebook regarding N601LL:
"With MOSAIC here — and getting in and out of N601LL becoming more of a challenge - I’m starting to look seriously at a high‑wing Zenith.
For anyone curious, N601LL is a Zenith 601XL with all service bulletins completed, a 650 canopy, Dynon HDX panel, backup D6 EFIS, two‑axis autopilot, and a 2025 Viking 140T. Nice, fast VFR plane that can be IFR with installation of a navigator.
If you want to see how this setup performs, the Viking Aircraft Engines YouTube channel has several flight videos featuring this plane.
Anyone with a comparably equipped Zenith high wing interested in a trade?"
Having difficulty getting in and out of his plane? Time for him to ground himself before someone gets killed by his folly.
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