Piper PA-30-160 Twin Comanche C, N8693Y, fatal accident occurred on December 17, 2025, at DuPage Airport (DPA/KDPA), Chicago/West Chicago, Illinois

• Location: West Chicago, IL 
• Accident Number: CEN26FA064 
• Date & Time: December 17, 2025, 13:49 Local 
• Registration: N8693Y 
• Aircraft: Piper PA-30 
• Injuries: 2 Fatal 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202178/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N8693Y

On December 17, 2025, about 1349 central standard time, a Piper PA-30 airplane, N8693Y, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near West Chicago, Illinois. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Airport surveillance video captured the airplane during takeoff. In the video, the airplane appeared to drift to the right of the runway centerline during the initial climb and reached a maximum height of about 75 ft above ground level. The airplane appeared to maintain a nosehigh attitude and banked to the left and right before the right bank angle increased to about 90°. The airplane then impacted terrain in a nose-low, right-wing-low attitude.

Preliminary air traffic control information revealed that the pilot was cleared for takeoff from runway 20R, and there were no other radio calls made by the pilot after he repeated the takeoff clearance.

The main wreckage came to rest about 567 ft west of runway 20R, south of taxiway T. The initial point of impact was about 106 ft east of the main wreckage. The path from the initial impact point to the main wreckage was a magnetic heading of 255°. The left engine propeller was found embedded in an impact crater along the debris field about 45 ft from the main wreckage. Ground scars consistent with propeller strikes were observed near the impact crater.

The main wreckage came to rest upright, supported by the extended main landing gear. Both wings remained attached to the fuselage with damage consistent with the impact sequence. Both engines remained partially attached to the wings through control cables and wire harnesses. The left engine was found inverted and rested on top of the left wing. The right engine was found hanging from the nacelle firewall.

The forward fuselage exhibited accordion crushing consistent with impact damage, and the fuselage was fractured aft of the rear seats. The empennage remained intact with compression damage consistent with the impact sequence.

Initial examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the flight controls or engines that would have precluded normal operation.

Two witnesses observed the accident sequence and stated that the airplane engines sounded normal (figure 1).

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Cessna 401A, N6255Q, accident occurred on November 18, 2025, near Eureka, North Carolina

• Location: Eureka, NC 
• Accident Number: ERA26LA050 
• Date & Time: November 18, 2025, 12:30 Local
• Registration: N6255Q 
• Aircraft: Cessna 401 
• Injuries: 1 Minor 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial observation

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202051/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N6255Q

On November 18, 2025, at 12:30 eastern standard time, a Cessna 401A, N6255Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Eureka, North Carolina. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight.

The pilot reported that, prior to the flight, he had the airplane serviced with 124 gallons of fuel, topping off the fuel tanks. The pilot stated that the preflight inspection, takeoff, and climb to 17,000 ft were uneventful. During the flight, the pilot transferred the fuel in the locker tanks into the main fuel tanks; shortly after emptying the locker tanks, he switched to the auxiliary fuel tanks. The pilot stated that he utilized the auxiliary fuel tanks until they were at the 5 gallon mark on the fuel gauges. The pilot then switched to the main fuel tanks; shortly thereafter, he reported the left engine lost power. As he started performing the emergency checklist, the right engine lost power.

After the losses of engine power, the pilot stated that he trimmed the airplane for 120 knots. The pilot determined he would be unable to reach his selected airport and decided to perform a forced landing in a field. The pilot lowered the landing gear and set the flaps to 10°. After landing on the field, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. According to the recovery personnel, about 2 gallons of fuel were drained from each auxiliary tank, and about 25 gallons were drained from each main fuel tank.

The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.

Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, N1684J, accident occurred on August 26, 2025, near Oconee County Regional Airport (CEU/KCEU), Clemson, South Carolina

• Location: Seneca, SC 
• Accident Number: ERA25LA316
• Date & Time: August 26, 2025, 08:31 Local 
• Registration: N1684J 
• Aircraft: Piper PA-28-140
• Injuries: 1 Minor 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200864/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N1684J

On August 26, 2025, at 0831 eastern standard time, a Piper PA28-140, N1684J, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Seneca, South Carolina. The sole occupant, a student pilot, received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The student pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to perform a cross-country flight as part of training to obtain a private pilot certificate. Prior to the flight, the student pilot performed a preflight inspection of the airplane and noted that “all appeared to be normal and functioning correctly.” After refueling the airplane with 25.2 gallons, the pilot estimated the airplane had 42 gallons of total fuel onboard. He also estimated that 7 gallons of fuel would be required for the round-trip flight.

The takeoff and climb from Jackson County Airport (JCA), Jefferson, Georgia were reported to be uneventful. The cruise altitude was 5,500 ft mean sea level (msl). Cruise and the subsequent descent were also reported to be uneventful. The pilot planned to enter the midfield downwind leg of the traffic pattern for landing on runway 25 at Oconee County Regional Airport (CEU), Seneca, South Carolina. After he entered the traffic pattern on the downwind leg, he selected full flaps.

When the airplane was about 600 ft above ground level (agl), during the downwind to base turn, the pilot stated that engine began “misfiring and then shut off.” The pilot adjusted pitch to maintain 80 miles per hour and aimed the airplane towards the runway. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot by switching fuel tanks, moving the mixture control to the full rich position, and opening and closing the throttle. At 100 ft agl, the pilot determined that gliding to the runway was unlikely and aimed for a nearby field.

At 0831, surveillance camera footage showed a low wing airplane strike a utility pole, before it impacted the tree line. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector examined the airplane at the accident site and noted that the wings, engine mounts and fuselage of the airplane sustained substantial damage.

The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.

Beechcraft K35 Bonanza, N5353E, accident occurred on July 16, 2025, near Sylacauga, Alabama

• Location: Sylacauga, AL 
• Accident Number: ERA25LA269 
• Date & Time: July 16, 2025, 14:02 Local 
• Registration: N5353E 
• Aircraft: Beech K35 
• Injuries: 1 Serious 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Business

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200556/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N5353E

On July 16, 2025, at 1402 central standard time, a Beech K35, N5353E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sylacauga, Alabama. The private pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, the airplane had a remanufactured engine installed about 30 hours prior to the accident. The remanufactured engine had experienced maintenance issues with the magnetos, spark plug fouling, and abnormal cylinder temperatures with the number four cylinder. Maintenance personnel replaced all of the spark plugs with new spark plugs and maintenance runups were conducted that showed no abnormal operation.

After departing on the accident flight, about an hour into the flight, the pilot reported that the number one cylinder head temperature dropped below 300 degrees and was accompanied by a “high” exhaust gas temperature. The pilot contacted air traffic control and attempted to divert to Northeast Alabama Regional Airport (GAD), Gadsden, Alabama. The engine began to run rough and the pilot cycled the ignition switch with no change. The pilot declared an emergency, and he was given radar vectors to Merkel Field Sylacauga Municipal Airport (SCD), Sylacauga, Alabama. The airplane could not maintain altitude and he conducted a forced landing into wooded terrain about 1-mile west of SCD. The airplane came to rest inverted and both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage sustained substantial damage.

The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.

Cessna 172G Skyhawk, N172BX, incident occurred on December 26, 2025, at Taylor Airport (T74), Taylor, Texas

• Location: Taylor, TX 
• Accident Number: CEN26LA084 
• Date & Time: December 26, 2025, 15:01 Local 
• Registration: N172BX 
• Aircraft: Cessna 172 
• Injuries: 2 None 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal 

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202268/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N172BX

On December 26, 2025, about 1501 central standard time, a Cessna 172G airplane, N172BX, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Taylor, Texas. The pilot and the passenger sustained no injury. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The private pilot, who is the airplane owner, reported the purpose of the local area flight was to practice flight maneuvers. The airplane departed from runway 17 at the Taylor Municipal Airport (T74), Taylor, Texas, about 1422. The airplane flew to the east of T74, practiced the various flight maneuvers, and returned to T74.

The airplane entered the traffic pattern at T74 for a touch and go landing to runway 17. During the takeoff from runway 17, with full power applied at about 300 ft agl, the engine sustained a total loss of power. Due to the limited forced landing options available, the pilot decided to land the airplane to a flat grass field near the end of the runway. The airplane impacted the grass field, bounced, and continued past the grass field. The airplane came to rest upright in a large northwest to southeast oriented ditch, located about 100 ft to the southwest of the departure end of runway 17. The ditch, which was filled with fresh water, was about 4-5 ft deep. The pilot and the passenger were able to egress from the airplane without further incident.

At the time of the accident, the pilot estimated that each wing fuel tank was about a quarter full of fuel. During the approach, landing, and subsequent takeoff from runway 17, the pilot reported that he did not utilize the carburetor heat system. While the airplane was previously modified via a FAA-approved supplemental type certificate to use unleaded automotive gasoline, the pilot reported the airplane was operating with 100 low lead fuel at the time of the accident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The airplane was recovered from the ditch, and it was transported to a secure location for future examination.

The airplane, which was manufactured in 1966, was equipped with a Continental Motors O300-D reciprocating engine and a McCauley Propeller 1C172/EM7653 two-blade fixed pitch aluminum propeller.

Cessna 207A Stationair 7, N747SQ, incident occurred on January 13, 2026, near Aniak, Alaska

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=N747SQ

- History of Flight:
On January 13, 2026, at about 1330 local time, a Cessna 207A Stationair 7, N747SQ, registered to YR-Aircraft Leasing LLC out of Bethel, AK, and being operated by Yute Air, sustained unknown damage following a forced landing near Aniak, Alaska. The pilot was not injured.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft crash landed for unknown reasons." ADS-B data indicates the airplane was climbing through 2,000 ft when it entered a 180 turn and landed about 20 minutes later off airport.

Culver LCA Cadet, N34776, incident occurred on January 14, 2026, in Humboldt, Iowa

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=N34776

- History of Flight:
On January 14, 2026, at about 0900 local time, a privately-registered Culver LCA Cadet, N34776, sustained unknown damage when it was involved in an incident in Humboldt, Iowa. The pilot was not injured.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft landed and gear collapsed."

- Weather:

METAR KFOD 141456Z AUTO 35014G22KT 10SM BKN020 M07/M11 A3016 RMK AO2 SNB1359E20 SLP243 P0000 60000 T10721111 51041 FZRANO $

METAR KFOD 141556Z AUTO 36013G21KT 9SM -SN OVC020 M07/M11 A3020 RMK AO2 PK WND 34026/1506 SNB26 SLP256 P0000 T10721111 FZRANO $

Cessna 210 Centurion, N9407T, incident occurred on January 14, 2026, near Chennault International Airport (CWF/KCWF), Lake Charles, Louisiana

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=N9407T

- History of Flight:
On January 14, 2026, at about 1224 local time, a privately-registered Cessna 210 Centurion, N9407T, sustained unknown damage in a forced landing while on approach to Chennault International Airport (CWF/KCWF), Lake Charles, Louisiana. The pilot was not injured. The cross-country flight originated from San Antonio, Texas.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft experienced engine issues and landed in a pasture."

- Weather:

METAR KCWF 141745Z 30012KT 10SM CLR 18/08 A2995

METAR KCWF 141825Z 32013G20KT 10SM CLR 18/08 A2994 RMK ACFT MSHP

METAR KCWF 141848Z 30013KT 10SM CLR 18/08 A2992

Figure 1: Flightaware data ran through Google Earth

Cessna 172E Skyhawk, N7783U, accident occurred on January 14, 2026, at Kingman Airport (IGM/KIGM), Kingman, 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=N7783U

- History of Flight:
On January 14, 2026, at about 1035 local time, a Cessna 172E Skyhawk, N7783U, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident at Kingman Airport (IGM/KIGM), Kingman, Arizona. The sole pilot onboard was not injured.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft on takeoff and veered off runway into brush."