Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen, N993CW, accident occurred on April 16, 2026, near Blue Grass Airport (LEX/KLEX), Lexington, Kentucky

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=N993CW

- History of Flight:
On April 16, 2026, at about 1421 local time, an Aeroprakt A-32 Vixxen, N993CW, registered to N993CW LLC and being operated by Wings Flight Training, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Blue Grass Airport (LEX/KLEX), Lexington, Kentucky. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The local training flight originated from KLEX at 1307.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft declared an emergency due to an engine issued and made a forced landing in a field and nose gear collapsed." ADS-B data show that the airplane was on approach for runway 22, but was unable to reach the airport and landed in a field northeast of the runway threshold.

Weather at the time included winds 250 at 16 knots, gusting 24 knots, 10 miles visibility, few clouds at 5,000 ft agl and an overcast ceiling at 6,500 ft AGL, temperature 23°C, dewpoint 13°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.96 inches of mercury.

Figure 1: ADS-B data showing departure and approach

- Weather:

METAR KLEX 161754Z 25016G24KT 10SM FEW050 OVC065 23/13 A2996 RMK AO2 RAB34E53 SLP139 P0000 60000 T02280128 10261 20161 53001

METAR KLEX 161854Z 26013G20KT 10SM SCT070 BKN095 BKN110 24/12 A2996 RMK AO2 SLP138 T02390122

Cessna U206F Stationair, N93021, accident occurred on April 16, 2026, near Juneau, 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=N93021

- History of Flight:
On April 16, 2026, at about 1042 local time, a Cessna U206F Stationair, N93021, registered to Ward Air Inc, sustained substantial damage when it crashed under unknown circumstances into the water near Juneau, Alaska. The pilot, the sole occupant onboard, survived with hypothermia injuries.

Van’s RV-8, N496EM, incident occurred on April 16, 2026, at Daniel Field (DNL/KDNL), Augusta, Georgia

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=N496EM

- History of Flight:
On April 16, 2026, at about 1511 local time, a privately-registered Van’s RV-8, N496EM, sustained unknown, but apparent substantial damage when it overrun runway 23 into a fence at Daniel Field (DNL/KDNL), Augusta, Georgia. The sole pilot onboard was not injured. The flight originated from Anderson Airport (AND/KAND), Anderson, South Carolina, at 1430.

Runway 5/23 is 4002 x 100 ft, asphalt/grooved.

Figure 1: ADS-B data

- Weather:

METAR KDNL 171853Z AUTO VRB06KT 10SM FEW080 31/11 A3000 RMK AO2 SLP154 T03110106

METAR KDNL 171953Z AUTO VRB05KT 10SM FEW085 32/10 A2998 RMK AO2 SLP146 T03170100

Cessna 172K Skyhawk, N84794, incident occurred on April 16, 2026, at Philip Billard Municipal Airport (TOP/KTOP), Topeka, Kansas

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=N84794

- History of Flight:
On April 16, 2026, at about 1843 local time, a Cessna 172K Skyhawk, N84794, registered to Odyssey Aircraft LLC, sustained unknown damage when it was involved in an incident at Philip Billard Municipal Airport (TOP/KTOP), Topeka, Kansas. The pilot was not injured.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft struck both wings on gate posts after making a wrong turn onto an access road while taxiing to parking."

- Weather:

METAR KTOP 162253Z 14014KT 10SM CLR 27/13 A2976 RMK AO2 SLP073 T02670133

METAR KTOP 162353Z 17011KT 10SM CLR 26/15 A2976 RMK AO2 SLP074 T02560150 10283 20256 55009

Pipistrel Virus SW 121A, N482LP, incident occurred on April 16, 2026, at Martin State Airport (MTN/KMTN), Baltimore, 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=N482LP

- History of Flight:
On April 16, 2026, at about 1320 local time, a privately-registered Pipistrel Virus SW 121A, N482LP, suffered a propeller strike during a landing attempt on runway 15 at Martin State Airport (MTN/KMTN), Baltimore, Maryland. The pilot was not injured. The flight originated from the airport at 1236.

Figure 1: ADS-B data

- Weather:

METAR KMTN 161650Z 17008KT 10SM CLR 25/15 A2991

METAR KMTN 161752Z 17007KT 10SM CLR 27/15 A2989

Piper PA-24-260 Comanche, N9364P, incident occurred on April 17, 2026, at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU/KRDU), Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

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=N9364P

- History of Flight:
On April 17, 2026, at about 1437 local time, a privately-registered Piper PA-24-260 Comanche, N9364P, landed gear-up on runway 5R at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU/KRDU), Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. There were no injuries. The flight originated from the Roxboro-Person County Airport (TDF/KTDF), Roxboro, North Carolina, at 1213.

ADS-B data shows that the airplane was climbing through 3,300 ft when it entered a descent back towards KTDF. The airplane proceeded to circle the airport for over an hour before diverting to KRDU.

Figure 1: ADS-B data

- Weather:

METAR KRDU 171751Z 34005KT 10SM FEW075 FEW250 29/11 A2997 RMK AO2 SLP144 T02890106 10289 20189 58016

METAR KRDU 171851Z 29006KT 10SM SCT075 SCT250 29/10 A2996 RMK AO2 SLP139 T02940100

Van's RV-14A, N81282, incident occurred on April 16, 2026, at McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport (SSI/KSSI), St Simons, Georgia

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=N81282

- History of Flight:
On April 16, 2026, at about 1230 local time, a privately-registered Van's RV-14A, N81282, sustained unknown damage when it suffered a nose gear collapse during a landing attempt at the McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport (SSI/KSSI), St Simons, Georgia. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The cross-country flight originated from Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO/KJYO), Leesburg, Virginia, at 0853.

- Weather:

METAR KSSI 161615Z AUTO VRB04KT 10SM CLR 27/17 A3013 RMK AO2

METAR KSSI 161635Z AUTO 25007KT 10SM CLR 28/17 A3013 RMK AO2

METAR KSSI 161655Z AUTO 25007KT 200V270 10SM CLR 28/17 A3012 RMK AO2

McDonnell Douglas A-4N Skyhawk II, N161EM, incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at Kinston Regional Jetport (ISO/KISO), Kinston, North Carolina

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=N161EM

- History of Flight:
On April 15, 2026, at about 2140 local time, a McDonnell Douglas A-4N Skyhawk II, N161EM, registered to and operated by Draken International Inc out of Lakeland, FL, sustained unknown damage when it suffered a landing gear collapse during a landing attempt on runway 23 at Kinston Regional Jetport (ISO/KISO), Kinston, North Carolina. The pilot was not injured. The flight originated from the airport at about 2021.

Howard DGA-6 Replica "Mister Mulligan", N273Y, incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL/KLAL), Sanford, 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=N273Y

- History of Flight:
On April 15, 2026, at about 0830 local time, a Howard DGA-6 replica, N273Y, sustained minor damage when it was involved in an incident during the Sun 'n Fun 2026 event at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL/KLAL), Sanford, Florida. The pilot was not injured.

The FAA reported: "Aircraft engine cowling partially detached which damaged the prop."

Figure 1: 1-2 seconds before event (screenshot from the Daily Sun 'n Fun Airshow Highlights! - Wednesday - Sun 'n Fun 2026 video https://youtu.be/eUI2GRJABb8?)

Figure 2: After event

Icon A5, N558BA, accident occurred on April 15, 2026, near San Juan, Puerto Rico

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=N558BA

- History of Flight:
On April 15, 2026, at about 1024 local time, an Icon A5, N558BA, registered to Icon A5 172 LLC, sustained substantial damage it was involved in an accident near San Juan, Puerto Rico. The pilot was not injured. The local flight originated from Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (TJIG).

The FAA reported: "Aircraft experienced engine issues and landed hard on the water." ADS-B data shows that the airplane was cruising at ~1,000 ft when it entered a descending left hand turn into the shore.

Post-accident review of an online-photographs revealed that all three propeller blades remained attached to the hub and were straight and undamaged. There was evidence of oil leak on the inner rear wings and area under the engine (see figure 1).

Figure 1: Engine

Figure 1: ADS-B Data

Cessna 182T Skylane, N821WT, incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at North Las Vegas Airport (VGT/KVGT), Las Vegas, Nevada

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=N821WT

- History of Flight:
On April 15, 2026, at about 1204 local time, a Cessna 182T Skylane, N821WT, registered to Crosswinds Air LLC, sustained minor damage when it was involved in an incident at the North Las Vegas Airport (VGT/KVGT), Las Vegas, Nevada. The pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Safford Airport (SAD/KSAD), Safford, Arizona, at 1001 LT, and was destined to KVGT.

The FAA reported; "Aircraft landed and encountered a gust of wind veering through the milling area and taxiway." ADS-B data shows that the airplane was landing on runway 12R when it veered off the right side.

At the time, the winds were from 150 at 10 knots, gusting 16 knots.

Figure 1: ADS-B data

- Weather:

METAR KVGT 152053Z 16015G23KT 10SM CLR 26/M08 A2993 RMK AO2 SLP137 T02611078 58025

METAR KVGT 151953Z 15010G16KT 10SM CLR 24/M05 A2996 RMK AO2 SLP147 T02441050

Cessna 172L Skyhawk, N7207Q, incident occurred on April 15, 2026, near Helena, Montana

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=N7207Q

- History of Flight:
On April 15, 2026, at about 0907 local time, a Cessna 172L Skyhawk, N7207Q, sustained minor damage following a forced landing near Helena, Montana. The sole pilot onboard was not injured. The local training flight originated from Helena Airport (HLN/KHLN), Helena, Montana, at 0837 LT.

The FAA reported that the airplane experienced engine issues and landed in a field. ADS-B data shows that the airplane was conducting touch-and-go(es) at the airport when it entered a climbing right turn from runway 27. The airplane ceased climbing at about 4,400 ft and and headed towards an open field north of the airport (see figure).

Figure 1: ADS-B data

Hughes 369D (500D), N715KV, fatal accident occurred on March 26, 2026, near Haena, Hawaii

• Location: Haena, HI 
• Accident Number: WPR26FA141 
• Date & Time: March 26, 2026, 15:39 Local 
• Registration: N715KV 
• Aircraft: Hughes 369D 
• Injuries: 3 Fatal, 2 Serious 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled - Sightseeing

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202704/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N715KV

On March 26, 2026, about 1539 Hawaii standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, N715KV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Haena, Hawaii. The pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries, and three passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 revenue sightseeing flight.

The helicopter departed Lihue Airport (LIH), Lihue, Hawaii, about 1512 for a local sightseeing tour. It was scheduled for the sixth and final flight of the day. The flight was uneventful until it reached the northern shore of the island, near Haena about 20 miles northeast of LIH.

According to the pilot, upon reaching Kalalau beach, he accomplished a left turn away from the shoreline as part of the normal flight profile. Upon entering the turn, the pilot experienced a high frequency vibration throughout the helicopter that came in waves and became stronger each time. Subsequently, the helicopter started an un-commanded right yaw that could not be corrected with input from the left anti-torque pedal. The helicopter quickly began to rotate clockwise, completing about 2 rotations, and the pilot entered the helicopter into an autorotation. He rolled the throttle to idle and attempted to increase the airspeed for better directional control.

The pilot noted that the spinning had stopped during the autorotation and he made a mayday radio call. Unable to make the beach, the helicopter impacted the water and rolled onto its right side about 75 yards from the shoreline and shortly afterwards became partially submerged.

A witness, who was flying near the accident site, observed the helicopter impact the water. The helicopter came to rest upright and tilted slightly to the right, facing towards the east. Another witness reported that the helicopter appeared to be intact before it impacted the water and broke up. The surviving passenger on the flight said that she heard a change in the sound and the helicopter slowed down. She then observed the helicopter rotating towards the water. Subsequently, the helicopter nosedived into the water.

Postaccident examination revealed that the helicopter’s fuselage and main rotor blades sustained substantial damage. The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility and retained for further examination. 

Robinson R44 Raven II, N233JD, accident occurred on March 24, 2026, near Stonewall, Texas

• Location: Stonewall, TX 
• Accident Number: CEN26LA148 
• Date & Time: March 24, 2026, 09:30 Local 
• Registration: N233JD 
• Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II 
• Injuries: 2 Serious 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Aerial observation

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202700/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N233JD

On March 24, 2026, about 0930 central daylight time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, N233JD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Stonewall, Texas. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight.

According to the pilot, she conducted a normal preflight inspection of the helicopter and found no anomalies. She stated that the purpose of the flight was to use the helicopter to flush wildlife into an open pasture for observation. While in a hover, about 15 to 30 ft above the tree line, she heard a loud “pop” and felt the helicopter jerk. The helicopter immediately entered an uncontrolled descent into terrain. The pilot reported that the helicopter would not respond to inputs made with the anti-torque pedals.

The pilot, passenger, and a witness reported hearing a loud “pop” from the helicopter before the sound of the engine went quiet. According to the passenger, the helicopter shook violently after the “pop” was heard and then rotated rapidly in a clockwise direction.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, the main rotor system, the tailboom, and the tail rotor system. The helicopter was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.