Unknown or undetermined: Vertical Hummingbird 260L, N829SH, fatal accident occurred on April 29, 2024, in Spring Branch, Texas

• Location: Spring Branch, Texas 
• Accident Number: CEN24FA167 
• Date & Time: April 29, 2024, 15:12 Local 
• Registration: N829SH 
• Aircraft: Vertical Aviation Technologies Hummingbird 
• Aircraft Damage: Destroyed 
• Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined 
• Injuries: 2 Fatal 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Air drop

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/194169/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194169

On April 29, 2024, about 1512 central daylight time, a Vertical Aviation Technologies Hummingbird 260L helicopter, N829SH, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Spring Branch, Texas. The airline transport pilot and the pilot-rated passenger sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air drop flight.

The pilot departed in the experimental helicopter with a pilot-rated passenger to perform a golf ball drop for a charity event. Flight track data showed that the beginning of the flight was not captured, as the first data point indicated the helicopter was in flight and was approximately 4.3 miles to the northeast of the departure airport and about 1.8 miles to the northwest of the planned golf ball drop location. The data showed the helicopter flying to the southwest of the first data point. The helicopter continued to travel to the southwest, and it then turned to the southeast where the data terminated shortly thereafter at the accident site, which was located about 1.4 miles to the northwest of the departure airport.

Multiple witnesses near the accident site heard the engine produce sputtering and coughing noises just prior to impact. Security camera footage showed the helicopter impact a grass field in a residential area, in front of a house. A postimpact explosion and fire occurred, which consumed the wreckage.

While no mechanical anomalies were found during the airframe and the engine examination, the examination was limited due to the extensive fire damage present. Multiple golf balls were found in the wreckage, which is indicative that the golf ball drop was not completed. The recovered flight track data showed that the helicopter was possibly flying back to the departure airport; however, the intended flight path was not established.

The pilot had previously contacted the helicopter kit manufacturer about ethanol in fuel “eating up” the fuel bladder in the helicopter and causing the fuel lines to “clog.” The kit manufacturer offered to sell the pilot a new fuel bladder to install in the helicopter, but they never heard back from the pilot. According to the FAA, ethanol in automobile fuel is not compatible with the rubber seals and other materials used in aircraft, which could cause fuel system deterioration and malfunction. 

The current helicopter maintenance records were not available for review, and the investigation was unable to determine what maintenance had been performed on the airframe and the engine in the several years prior to the accident.

Based upon the statements of multiple witnesses, the engine likely sustained a total loss of engine power, which resulted in a forced landing and a subsequent impact with terrain. While it is possible that the cause of the loss of the engine power may have been due to the deterioration of the fuel system from the presence of ethanol in fuel, the extensive fire damage precluded examination.

Due to heart disease, the pilot was at increased risk of a sudden impairing or incapacitating cardiac event, including angina, arrhythmia, or heart attack. There is no autopsy evidence that such an event occurred. However, such an event does not leave reliable autopsy evidence if it occurs immediately before death.

The pilot’s toxicological results indicated use of gabapentin, which the FAA considers a “do not fly” medication. Based on the gabapentin levels measured in the pilot’s heart blood, he was possibly experiencing some effects from his use of the gabapentin; however, specific effects are uncertain and whether he may have been impaired could not be determined based on the level detected alone.

- Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing and a subsequent impact with terrain. 

Piper PA-44-180T Turbo Seminole, N8390K, accident occurred on June 7, 2026, at St. George Regional Airport (SGU/KSGU), St. George, Utah

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=N8390K

- History of Flight:
On June 7, 2026, at 1008 local time, a Piper PA-44-180T Turbo Seminole, N8390K, registered to Wingsleasing LLC, and being operated by Glidepath Aviation, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident at St. George Regional Airport (SGU/KSGU), St. George, Utah. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight originated from the Bolinder Field Tooele Valley Airport (TVY/KTVY), Tooele, Utah, at 0821, and was destined to KSGU.

Preliminary ADS-B data shows that the was at 3,700 ft when it entered a left traffic pattern for runway 1. The airplane entered a tight left hand turn for runway 1, but the groundspeed increased from 94 knots to 106 knots, consistent with the pilot aborting the approach/landing. The airplane proceeded to fly over the airport at 3,400 ft, and towards the end of the track it entered a tight left hand turn for runway 19. The airplane decelerated to about 64 knots and came short of the runway threshold (next to the run-up area, see figures).

Figure 1: ADS-B exchange data

Figure 2: Data ran through Google Earth Pro

KSGU sits at an elevation of 2883.6 ft. The airport features a single asphalt grooved runway 1/19 which is 9300 x 150 ft.

At 0956, the winds were from 190 at 15 knots, gusting 23 knots, temperature 31°C, dewpoint -6°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.74 inches of mercury. The calculated density altitude was 5642 ft.

- Weather:

METAR KSGU 071556Z AUTO 19015G23KT 10SM CLR 31/M06 A2974 RMK AO2 WSHFT 1534 SLP028 T03061056

METAR KSGU 071656Z AUTO 30007KT 10SM CLR 31/M04 A2975 RMK AO2 SLP031 T03061044=

Cessna T182T Skylane TC, N384EA, incident occurred on June 7, 2026, near Diamond Lake, Oregon

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=N384EA

- History of Flight:
On June 7, 2026, at about 0818 local time, a privately-registered Cessna T182T Skylane TC, N384EA, sustained unknown damage following a forced landing on a highway due to a loss of oil pressure near Diamond Lake, Oregon. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The cross-country personal flight originated from Pearson Field (VUO/KVUO), Vancouver, Washington, at 0710.

Figure 1: ADS-B exchange data

Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N8089E, incident occurred on June 7, 2026, at Pensacola International Airport (PNS/KPNS), Pensacola, Florida

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=N8089E

- History of Flight:
On June 6, 2026, at an unspecified time (FAA ASIAS site down), a Cessna 172N Skyhawk, N8089E, registered to Skywarrior Flight Training Inc, sustained unknown, but apparent no damage when it went into the grass while leaving the run-up area at Pensacola International Airport (PNS/KPNS), Pensacola, Florida. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The local training flight originated from PNS.

Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee C, N8656L, and Schleicher ASW27, N321ER, fatal accident occurred on May 26, 2026, at Saratoga County Airport (5B2), Saratoga Springs, New York

• Location: Saratoga Springs, NY 
• Accident Number: ERA26FA214 
• Date & Time: May 26, 2026, 13:47 Local 
• Registration: N8656L (A1); N321ER (A2) 
• Aircraft: Piper PA-25-235 (A1); Schleicher ASW-27 (A2) 
• Injuries: 1 Fatal (A1); 1 None (A2) 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Glider tow (A1); Part 91: General aviation - Personal (A2)

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/203054/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N8656L

On May 26, 2026, about 1347 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 airplane, N8656L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Saratoga Springs, New York. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 glider aerotow flight. 

The airplane was conducting an aerotow of a Schleicher ASW27 glider, N321ER via the glider’s center of gravity tow hook at Saratoga County Airport (5B2), Saratoga Springs, NY. Surveillance video showed that shortly after liftoff, at an altitude of about 200 ft, the glider pitched up and climbed above the towplane, pulling the tail of the towplane up and pitching its nose down. The glider pilot reported that he made several attempts to release before successfully separating from the towplane. The towplane did not recover from the upset, and subsequently impacted the runway, and a postcrash fire ensued. The glider returned to the airport and landed uneventfully. 

The towplane impacted about 50 ft right of the runway centerline in a nose down attitude and came to rest about 1,000 ft from the departure end of the runway. The debris path was oriented on a 330° magnetic heading and was about 100 ft in length from the initial impact point to the main accident site. 

At the initial impact point, two gouges about 1/2- to 3/4-inch-deep were observed in the asphalt, consistent with a propeller strike. Adjacent to the propeller strikes marks were rows of paint transfer consistent with wing contact. Thermal damage to the asphalt extended from the initial impact point to the main wreckage, and about 1 acre of grass adjacent to the runway was burned.

The majority of the airplane was consumed by postcrash fire. The main landing gear was impact separated from the fuselage and located along the wreckage path. All the flight control surfaces remained attached to their respective attach points. The flap control lever was positioned to the flaps retracted position. The left aileron drive cable was separated about 11- inches from the wing root, the cable ends exhibited a splayed, broomstrawed appearance, consistent with a tension overload separation. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all the flight controls except where separations were noted consistent with tension overload. The tow rope release latch and associated cable were continuous from the cockpit to the tail mounted latch mechanism. 

The engine was partially separated from the airframe and exhibited impact and thermal damage. Engine control continuity was established from the cockpit to the engine. The carburetor and oil sump were partially consumed by fire. Thermal damage precluded field tests of the magnetos. Crankshaft and valvetrain continuity was established during hand rotation of the crankshaft, with compression and suction observed on all six-cylinders. A borescope examination revealed no anomalies within the cylinders.

The two-bladed, aluminum, fixed-pitch propeller was impact separated from the engine. One blade exhibited longitudinal twisting, leading-edge gouges, and chordwise abrasion at its outboard area. The other blade was bent aft about 20° midspan. The spinner was crushed aft and exhibited torsional deformation. 

The tow rope was located about 25 ft before the initial impact point. It measured about 195 ft in length and was constructed of twisted polypropylene. The weak link and metal rings remained intact and thermal damage was noted at both ends of the rope. Functional testing in the field confirmed that the tow rope latch mechanisms on both the glider and towplane were operational. 

Both aircraft were retained for further examination.

NTSB Preliminary: Cessna A185F Skywagon, N61368, fatal accident occurred on May 12, 2026, near Avon, Maine

• Location: Avon, ME 
• Accident Number: ERA26FA205 
• Date & Time: May 12, 2026, 10:58 Local 
• Registration: N61368 
• Aircraft: Cessna A185F 
• Injuries: 1 Fatal 
• Flight Conducted Under: Public aircraft 

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202969/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N61368

On May 12, 2026, about 1058 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A185F airplane, N61368, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Avon, Maine. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was owned by the state of Maine and operated as a public use aircraft. 

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Maine Warden Service reported that the flight originated from a seaplane base on Crystal Lake, Harrison, ME, and repositioned to Rangeley Lake to load fish for the purpose of stocking Schoolhouse Pond, a local body of water. The airplane was equipped with floats and two fish pods, one mounted on each float which were electronically dumped via pilot activated instrument panel mounted controls. Following the repositioning, the airplane’s right pod was loaded with about 12 gallons of water and 42 lbs. of fish. 

According to preliminary ADS-B data from the FAA, the airplane departed Rangely Lake at about 1030 and proceeded to the southeast for about 21 miles to Schoolhouse Pond. The airplane continued about 1.5 miles east of the pond, turned left and flew along the pond’s eastern shore in a southwesterly direction. The final data points showed the airplane in a right turn about 400 yards southwest of Schoolhouse Pond. 

The wreckage was located on rising terrain in a densely wooded area about 400 yards southwest of Schoolhouse Pond. The airplane came to rest in a nose down attitude and all the major components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site. The floats remained attached to the fuselage and exhibited leading-edge impact damage. Fish from the stocking operation were observed in the right fish pod and on the ground adjacent to the right fish pod. There was an odor of fuel observed at the accident site, and numerous tree branches near the main wreckage exhibited angular separations with paint transfer marks at their separation areas. 

The empennage was relatively undamaged. The wings exhibited leading-edge impact damage, were displaced forward and partially separated from the fuselage. The pilot and copilot seats were impact damaged and the seat rails were deformed. The instrument panel was fragmented. The fuel selector was positioned to BOTH, and fuel line continuity was established from the fuel tanks to the gascolator. The flaps were noted in the 20° position, and flight control continuity was established from the cockpit area to all the flight control surfaces. 

The engine was partially separated from the firewall. The three-bladed aluminum propeller was impact separated from the engine and remained attached to the separated crankshaft flange. Leading-edge damage was noted to the propeller blades. 

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Rockwell Commander 112, N27007, incident occurred on June 6, 2026, near Fabens Airport (E35), Fabens, Texas

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=N27007

- History of Flight:
On June 6, 2026, at about 0929 local time, a privately-registered Rockwell Commander 112, N27007, sustained unknown damage when it was involved in an incident near Fabens Airport (E35), Fabens, Texas. The pilot suffered minor injuries.

The FAA reported that the airplane experienced an engine failure after departure and crashed.

ADS-B data shows that the airplane entered a climbing left hand turn to about 200 ft before it descended into terrain.

Runway 8/26 is asphalt 4197 x 60 ft. The airport field elevation is 3680 ft.

Figure 1: ADS-B data

Piper PA-18 Super Cub, N1460C, accident occurred on June 6, 2026, near Coleraine, Minnesota

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=N1460C

- History of Flight:
On June 6, 2026, at about 1736 local time, a privately-registered Piper PA-18 Super Cub, N1460C, came to rest inverted on landing in the Trout Lake near Coleraine, Minnesota. The pilot and passenger suffered minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The NTSB is investigating.

Post-incident photos did not clearly show whether the landing gear was deployed or not.

Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N96567, incident occurred on June 6, 2026, at New London Airport (GON/KGON), Groton, Connecticut

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=N96567

- History of Flight:
On June 6, 2026, at about 1558 local time, a Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N96567, registered to GMT Aviation LLC, sustained unknown, but apparent minor damage when the left wing struck a fence while taxing after landing at New London Airport (GON/KGON), Groton, Connecticut. The pilot and passenger were not injured.

The airplane flew out of GON the following day and continued operations normally.

- Weather:

METAR KGON 061856Z 17004KT 10SM FEW120 20/16 A2979 RMK AO2 SLP089 T02000161

METAR KGON 061956Z 20006KT 10SM CLR 21/16 A2977 RMK AO2 SLP082 T02110161

Piper PA-28-161 Warrior III, N559PU, incident occurred on June 6, 2026, at Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB/KVRB), Vero Beach, Florida

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=N559PU

- History of Flight:
On June 6, 2026, at about 1255 local time, a Piper PA-28-161 Warrior III, N559PU, registered to Skyborne Airline Academy Inc, sustained unknown damage when it veered off runway 12L into the grass at Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB/KVRB), Vero Beach, Florida. The pilot was not injured. The local training flight originated from KVRB.

- Weather:

METAR KVRB 061553Z 08008KT 10SM SCT036 BKN044 OVC070 27/21 A3008 RMK AO2 SLP186 T02720211

METAR KVRB 061653Z 09012G21KT 10SM FEW026 SCT031 BKN047 28/21 A3008 RMK AO2 SLP184 T02780206

Figure 1: ADS-B data

North American SNJ-5C, N98RJ, incident occurred on June 6, 2026, at Culpeper Regional Airport (CJR/KCJR), Culpeper, Virginia

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=N98RJ

- History of Flight:
On June 6, 2026, at about 0801 local time, a North American SNJ-5C, N98RJ, registered to Wag Air LLC, sustained minor damage following an emergency landing at Culpeper Regional Airport (CJR/KCJR), Culpeper, Virginia. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The local flight originated at 0729.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft experienced an engine failure resulting in crankshaft and prop separating and landed safely."

ADS-B data shows that the airplane was on approach to runway 4 when it entered a 360 loop and landed on runway 4.

- Weather:

METAR KCJR 061115Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 17/15 A3001 RMK AO2 T01690152

METAR KCJR 061215Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 22/16 A3001 RMK AO2 T02190163

Figure 1: Entire Flight

Figure 2: Final Approach

Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, N747G, incident occurred on June 6, 2026, at Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY/KGYY), Gary, Indiana

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=N747G

- History of Flight:
On June 6, 2026, at about 1039 local time, a Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, N747G, registered to Loblolly Management LLC, veered off runway 30 due to a blown tire at Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY/KGYY), Gary, Indiana. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The personal flight originated from Rowan County Airport (SRW/KRUQ), Salisbury, North Carolina.

- Weather:

METAR KGYY 061450Z 28007KT 10SM CLR 28/23 A2986

METAR KGYY 061550Z COR VRB05KT 10SM SCT025 SCT030 29/23 A2987

Beechcraft B19 Sport, N24597, incident occurred on June 6, 2026, near Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

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=N24597

- History of Flight:
On June 6, 2026, at about 0854 local time, a Beechcraft B19 Sport, N24597, registered to Smoketown Flight Center LLC, was not damaged in a forced landing near Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The local training flight originated at 0738.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft Sport made an emergency landing on the convergence of US11 and US15 due to engine issues."

Cub Crafters CCX-2000 Carbon Cub FX-3, N363SS, incident occurred on June 5, 2026, at San Diego-Gillespie Field (SEE/KSEE), El Cajon, California

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=N363SS

- History of Flight:
On June 5, 2026, at about 1124 local time, a Cub Crafters CCX-2000 Carbon Cub FX-3, N363SS, registered to SGL Aero LLC, sustained unknown damage when it was involved in an incident at San Diego-Gillespie Field (SEE/KSEE), El Cajon, California. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight originated from KSEE at 1020.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft landed and encountered a wind gust picking up the left wing forcing the right wing to strike a runway light."

Figure 1: ADS-B data (18:24 and onwards)

Piper PA-22-108 Colt, N5018Z, incident occurred on June 5, 2026, at Carroll County Regional Airport (DMW/KDMW), Westminster, Maryland

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=N5018Z

- History of Flight:
On June 5, 2026, at about 1140 local time, a privately-registered Piper PA-22-108 Colt, N5018Z, sustained unknown damage when it veered off runway on takeoff for unknown reasons and bounced into a ravine at Carroll County Regional Airport (DMW/KDMW), Westminster, Maryland. The pilot suffered minor injuries.

Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N902AZ, incident occurred on June 5, 2026, at Miami Executive Airport (TMB/KTMB), Miami, Florida

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=N902AZ

- History of Flight:
On June 5, 2026, at about 0804 local time, a Cessna 172P Skyhawk, N902AZ, sustained unknown damage when it suffered a nose wheel separation upon landing on runway 9L at Miami Executive Airport (TMB/KTMB), Miami, Florida. The pilot was not injured. The local flight originated from TMB.

Figure 1: ADS-B data

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N954FG, incident occurred on June 5, 2026, at Treasure Coast International Airport (FPR/KFPR), Fort Pierce, Florida

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=N954FG

- History of Flight:
On June 5, 2026, at about 1545 local time, a Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, N954FG, registered to Ridgeline Assets LLC and being operated by Infinity Flight Group, sustained unknown damage when it veered off runway 14 at Treasure Coast International Airport (FPR/KFPR), Fort Pierce, Florida. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The local training flight originated from FPR.

Lancair IV-P, N750DL, incident occurred on June 5, 2026, at Miami Executive Airport (TMB/KTMB), Miami, Florida

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=N750DL

- History of Flight:
On June 5, 2026, at about 1448 local time, a Lancair IV-P, N750DL, registered to Steve Jackson Racing LLC, sustained unknown damage when it suffered a gear collapse upon landing on runway 9R at Miami Executive Airport (TMB/KTMB), Miami, Florida. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight originated from McDuffie County Airport (HQU/KHQU), Thomson, Georgia, about 4 hours earlier.

Figure 1: ADS-B data

Cessna 421C Golden Eagle II, N438EL, incident occurred on June 5, 2026, at Leesburg International Airport (LEE/KLEE), Leesburg, Florida

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=N438EL

- History of Flight:
On June 5, 2026, at about 0915 local time, a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle II, N438EL, registered to 1 Stop Sod & Landscaping Inc, sustained unknown damage when it veered off the runway on takeoff due to a left brake lockup at Leesburg International Airport (LEE/KLEE), Leesburg, Florida. The pilot and passenger were not injured.

Sonex Aircraft Sonex, N28YD, accident occurred on June 5, 2026, at Jaffrey Municipal Airport (AFN/KAFN), Jaffrey, New Hampshire

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=N28YD

- History of Flight:
On June 5, 2026, at about 1130 local time, a privately Sonex Aircraft Sonex, N28YD, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Jaffrey Municipal Airport (AFN/KAFN), Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The pilot sustained serious injuries.

Cessna P210N Silver Eagle, N54CC, accident occurred on June 5, 2026, at Doña Ana County International Jetport (DNA/KDNA), Santa Teresa, New Mexico

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=N54CC

- History of Flight:
On June 5, 2026, at about 1059 local time, a Cessna P210N Silver Eagle, N54CC, registered to Scythe & Spade Co, sustained substantial damage when it impacted airport terrain at Doña Ana County International Jetport (DNA/KDNA), Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured. The personal flight originated from Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ/KCGZ), Casa Grande, Arizona, at 0830.

ADS-B data shows an uneventful approach to runway 28. The landing was not captured.

The airport field elevation is 4112.8 ft. The calculated density altitude was 6029 ft.

- Weather:

METAR KDNA 051655Z AUTO 18008KT 10SM CLR 24/11 A3004 RMK AO2

Columbia LC41-550FG Columbia 400, N362JV, incident occurred on June 2, 2026, at Addison Airport (ADS/KADS), Addison, Texas

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=N362JV

- History of Flight:
On June 2, 2026, at about 1600 local time, a privately-registered Columbia LC41-550FG Columbia 400, N362JV, sustained unknown, but apparent minor damage when it struck foreign object damage (FOD) during takeoff from runway 34 at Addison Airport (ADS/KADS), Addison, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The personal flight continued and landed at Airpark East Airport (1F7), Terrell, Texas. A post flight inspection revealed damage to the wheel pan.

Aerodynamic stall/spin: Socata TBM700N (TBM850), N228CH, accident occurred on April 24, 2024, at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU/KRDU), Raleigh, North Carolina

• Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
• Accident Number: ERA24LA191
• Date & Time: April 24, 2024, 10:10 Local
• Registration: N228CH
• Aircraft: Socata TBM 850
• Aircraft Damage: Substantial
• Defining Event: Aerodynamic stall/spin
• Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Business

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/194143/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194143

On April 24, 2024, about 1010 eastern daylight time, a Socata TBM 850, N228CH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Raleigh, North Carolina. The airline transport pilot was seriously injured, and the passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated by Medical Air, Inc. as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight.

The pilot executed an approach that, based on the passenger’s description, was not stabilized, and the airplane touched down twice during landing. The propeller blades made contact with the runway, and the pilot decided to abort the landing because he did not think he could stop the airplane on the runway. During the subsequent takeoff and initial climb, the pilot made a tight left turn about 100 ft above ground level to avoid traffic on an intersecting runway, and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact malfunction or deficiency that would have precluded normal operation.

Although the right main landing gear was found in the stowed position and its wheel axle and gear door showed scraping marks, an airport surveillance video showed that all three landing gear appeared to be in the down position during the airplane’s takeoff after the aborted landing.

- Probable Cause: The pilot’s decision to continue an unstabilized approach, which resulted in a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain proper airspeed and climb attitude after aborting the landing, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and resulting in an aerodynamic stall.

Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT): Cessna 177B Cardinal, N34903, fatal accident occurred on June 12, 2024, near Elk River Airport (ID85), Elk River, Idaho

• Location: Elk River, Idaho
• Accident Number: WPR24FA190
• Date & Time: June 12, 2024, 10:06 Local
• Registration: N34903
• Aircraft: Cessna 177B
• Aircraft Damage: Destroyed
• Defining Event: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)
• Injuries: 1 Fatal, 2 Serious
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/194454/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=194454

On June 12, 2024, about 1006 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 177B airplane, N34903, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Elk River, Idaho. The pilot was fatally injured, and the two passengers (one pilot-rated) were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot, one pilot-rated passenger, and a second passenger were conducting a cross-country flight to an airport located in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain. The pilot had previously flown to the destination airport in a different make and model airplane. The pilot-rated passenger stated that he and the pilot discussed a plan to descend into the valley near the destination airport, overfly the runway to inspect it for hazards, continue north in the valley to climb, then return to land.

The pilot-rated passenger reported that, after conducting the runway overflight about 700 ft above the ground, all engine controls were confirmed full forward. The airplane continued flying north in the valley toward rising terrain, and the passenger identified a location on the chart that he felt would be best for the pilot to turn toward. The pilot turned the airplane earlier than the passenger had instructed him to, and the passenger alerted the pilot to the error; however, the pilot was focused on the instruments and did not respond. The pilot and the pilotrated passenger recognized that the airplane was too low and checked to confirm that the airplane’s engine controls were full forward. The passenger encouraged the pilot to turn around and reported that the pilot slowed the airplane in an attempt to increase its rate of climb. He could not recall if the pilot attempted to turn the airplane. The airplane impacted trees and terrain about 5 nautical miles north of the airport, at an elevation of about 3,755 ft mean sea level (about 928 ft above airport elevation).

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; however, the extent of the engine exam was limited by postimpact fire damage. The wing flap jackscrew was found in a position consistent with the flaps being extended 30° at the time of the accident. If the flaps had been extended while the pilot attempted to climb the airplane out of the valley, the airplane’s climb performance would have been significantly reduced; however, it could not be determined when the flaps were extended relative to the impact with terrain.

The weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at cruise and glide power settings at the altitudes the airplane was being operated. It is possible that carburetor icing had formed at some point during the flight, which would have degraded the airplane’s climb performance. The passenger did not report whether the pilot had applied carburetor heat, and the position of the carburetor heat control at the time of the accident could not be determined. Additionally, the calculated density altitude at the destination airport was about 3,300 ft and the density altitude at the accident site was about 4,400 ft; these conditions would also have had an adverse effect on the airplane’s climb performance.

The airplane was operated by a flying club whose policy required pilots to fly with an instructor if more than 120 days had passed since the pilot’s most recent flight. Club records indicated that the accident pilot’s most recent flight in a club airplane (the accident airplane) was 162 days before the accident. Other than the flights captured in flying club records, the pilot’s recency of experience, including his total experience in single-engine airplanes and his experience operating at mountain airports such as the accident airport, could not be determined, as his logbooks were not available for review.

- Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain while climbing in mountainous terrain during moderately high density altitude conditions, and conditions conducive to severe carburetor icing.