Diamond DA20-C1 Eclipse, N96YY, accident occurred on October 10, 2026, near Bishop International Airport (FNT/KFNT), Flint, Michigan

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this writing will be corrected when/if the NTSB preliminary report is released.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N96YY

- History of Flight:
On October 10, 2026, at about 1513 local time, a Diamond DA20-C1 Eclipse, N96YY, registered to Shortt Aircraft Leasing LLC and being operated by the CTI Professional Flight Training flight school, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in a forced landing near Bishop International Airport (FNT/KFNT), Flint, Michigan. The sole student pilot onboard was not injured. The solo training flight originated from Willow Run Airport (YIP/KYIP), Detroit, Michigan, at 1401.

The FAA reported that the airplane experienced engine issues, landed on the interstate and went down a slope into brush.

An individual driving on the highway captured the airplane during its descent. The airplane touched down wings level on the highway, but departed the right side shoulder and went down a slope. The airplane came to rest upright against a treeline and there was no post crash fire. The left wing was destroyed, and the tail was severed.

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC) audio and preliminary ADS-B data, at about 1505, the student pilot was cleared for a right downwind to land on runway 18. A few seconds later, the controller cancelled the landing clearance and asked the student to extend the downwind (after entering it). At 1510, the controller told the pilot "base turn at your discretion, runway 18, cleared to land, say parking." The student readback and stated that she wanted to taxi back and get flight following to YIP. The controller advised the student about traffic (a Diamond Star) 4 miles northwest of her position that was on approach to runway 18. At 1512, and while on short final for runway 18, the pilot declared an emergency and reported an engine out. Winds at the time were from 170 at 10 knots. The pilot stated that she can't make it (to the airport) and that was going to try to land on the highway. After a minute of silence, the pilot asked the controller to call emergency services (after the airplane came to rest, note that the pilot was doing correct readbacks to the controller, but I didn't mention it every time.)