Republic RC-3 Seabee, N6518K, accident occurred on April 12, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona

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=N6518K

- History of Flight:
On April 12, 2026, at about 1421 local time, a Republic RC-3 Seabee, N6518K, sustained substantial damage following a forced landing in Phoenix, Arizona. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The personal flight originated from the Hangar Haciendas Airport (AZ90), Laveen, Arizona, at 1408 LT.

The FAA reported that the airplane experienced engine issues and landed on a street gearup. ADS-B data shows that the airplane entered a climbing right turn to an altitude of 2,600 ft. About 11 minutes into the flight, the airplane started a descent from cruise altitude into the busy streets of Phoenix.

Figure 1: ADS-B exchange data

The reported weather at the time included winds from 260 at 11 knots, gusting 15 knots, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 10,000 ft AGL and 23,000 ft AGL, an overcast ceiling at 23,000 ft AGL, temperature 28°C, dewpoint 1°C, and an air pressure of 29.90 inches of mercury.

A review of post accident photos revealed that all propeller blades remained attached to the engine, were straight, and not damaged in anyway.

Figure 2: Rear view of airplane.

- Weather:

METAR KPHX 122051Z 26011G15KT 10SM FEW100 FEW160 OVC230 28/01 A2990 RMK AO2 SLP109 T02830006 56008 $

METAR KPHX 122151Z 26009KT 10SM FEW100 FEW160 OVC230 28/01 A2988 RMK AO2 SLP103 T02780011 $