NTSB Preliminary: North American AT-6D Texan, N29678, fatal accident occurred on April 13, 2026, near Bronson, Florida

• Location: Bronson, FL
• Accident Number: ERA26FA166 
• Date & Time: April 13, 2026, 15:36 Local 
• Registration: N29678 
• Aircraft: North American AT-6D 
• Injuries: 2 Fatal 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal 

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202814/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N29678

On April 13, 2026, about 1536 eastern daylight time, a North American AT-6D, N29678, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Bronson, Florida. The two pilots were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The accident pilot was undergoing a formation flight “check-out” at the time of the accident. The accident airplane was the second airplane in a two-airplane formation flight. The flight departed Williston Regional Airport (X60), Williston, Florida, about 1510 and proceeded northwest at an altitude of about 3,000 ft msl.

The pilot of the lead airplane reported that both airplanes completed a formation sequence and then began their return flight to X60, with the accident airplane in “extended trail formation,” about 1/2-mile behind the lead airplane.

As the formation descended through about 2,700 ft msl, on a southerly heading, the lead airplane performed two 180° direction changes, then completed two circles that terminated in a 30° climb and a 30° bank attitude. The lead pilot observed the accident airplane in a nose high attitude as it banked right. The lead pilot then diverted his attention momentarily to clear his turn, then subsequently observed the accident airplane in a steep, 80° nose-down decent. As the accident airplane continued to descend below approximately 1,000 ft msl, it rolled right about 3-1/2 times.

The lead pilot reported that the accident airplane appeared to be recovering from the decent just before it impacted terrain, which was followed by a postimpact fire.

Examination of the accident site revealed that the wreckage was highly fragmented. All major components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site. The airplane’s engine, wings, and horizontal stabilizers were impact separated and located in the debris field. Flight control continuity was confirmed to all flight control surfaces through control cables that were fractured consistent with overload separations.

The wreckage was retained for further examination. 

Stinson 108-3 Voyager, N588C, accident occurred on May 12, 2026, in Quilcene, Washington

• Location: Quilcene, WA 
• Accident Number: WPR26LA183 
• Date & Time: May 12, 2026, 10:49 Local 
• Registration: N588C Aircraft: Stinson 108-3 
• Injuries: 1 None 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202974/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N588C

On May 12, 2026, at about 1049 Pacific daylight time, a Stinson 108-3 airplane, N588C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Quilcene, Washington. The pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that during his preflight inspection of the airplane, he did not note any oil leaks, and the engine oil dipstick showed about 7.5 quarts of oil. About 15 minutes after departure, the engine began to run rough. The pilot applied carburetor heat, switched magnetos, and switched fuel tanks to resolve the engine roughness, but was unsuccessful. He then decided to divert to a nearby airport.

Shortly after the pilot began his turn to the airport, the engine emitted a loud bang, oil covered the windscreen, and smoke began filling the cabin. As the pilot began maneuvering toward a farm field to land, a fire began burning in the engine compartment and progressed to the lower forward cabin near the pilot’s feet. He landed the airplane in a grassy field, and during the landing roll, the airplane impacted a ditch. The pilot exited the airplane and used the airplane’s fire extinguisher and mud from the ditch to put out the fire in the airplane’s engine compartment.

Photographs of the airplane at the accident site revealed the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. Holes were visible on the top of the engine crankcase.

The wreckage has been retained for further examination.

Cessna 162 Skycatcher, N162HA, accident occurred on April 25, 2026, at Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE/KPAE), Everett, Washington

• Location: Everett, WA 
• Accident Number: WPR26LA178 
• Date & Time: April 25, 2026, 10:26 Local 
• Registration: N162HA 
• Aircraft: Cessna 162 
• Injuries: 2 None 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202953/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N162HA

On April 25, 2026, at 1026 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 162, N162HA, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Everett, Washington. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight instructor and student pilot reported that they were performing touch-and-go landings on runways 34L and 34R at the Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE), Everett, Washington. During a subsequent takeoff, after the nose landing gear lifted off the runway surface, they heard a loud clunking sound. They conducted a normal climb and requested clearance from the tower controller to perform a low-altitude pass over the runway, to allow ground personnel to visually inspect the landing gear. Flight school personnel reported to the pilots that the nose landing gear appeared damaged. After performing additional low-altitude passes, the flight instructor chose to land on runway 34L. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed and folded aft, which resulted in substantial damage to the bottom of the fuselage near the firewall.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Bell 407, N652AE, accident occurred on May 12, 2026, at Baylor University Medical Center Dallas Heliport (XA61), Dallas, Texas

• Location: Dallas, TX
• Accident Number: CEN26LA185
• Date & Time: May 12, 2026, 21:27 Local
• Registration: N652AE
• Aircraft: Bell 407 Injuries: 3 None
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 135: Air taxi & commuter - Non-scheduled - Air Medical (Discretionary)

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202981/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N652AE

On May 12, 2026, about 2127 central daylight time, a Bell 407 helicopter, N652AE, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Dallas, Texas. The pilot and two-person medical crew were not injured. There was no patient onboard. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 discretionary air medical flight.

The crew had transported a patient to Baylor Medical Center. Before departing from the helipad, the pilot attempted to contact the Dallas Love Field Airport tower controller to request a Class B airspace clearance. When no response was received, the pilot lifted off into a hover in attempt to gain better reception. The pilot reported subsequently hearing a “loud crack” and feeling a jolt in the pedals. The pilot landed the helicopter on the helipad and shutdown the engine.

Video surveillance footage depicted the helicopter lifting off from the helipad and turning to the right. During the climb and the right turn, the helicopter drifted backward and struck the building mounted camera. The video footage ended at that point. The helicopter sustained damage to the tail rotor blades and tail rotor pitch change links.

Van's RV-7, N732JG, accident occurred on May 21, 2026, at Jaffrey Airfield Silver Ranch (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=N732JG

- History of Flight:
On May 21, 2026, at about 1153 local time, a privately-registered Van's RV-7, N732JG, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident at Jaffrey Airfield Silver Ranch (AFN/KAFN), Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The pilot and passenger suffered minor injuries. The cross-country personal flight originated from South Albany Airport (4B0), South Bethlehem, New York, at 1113.

The FAA reported that the airplane lost control during a landing attempt on runway 34 and came to rest inverted.

Based on photographs from the accident site, the airplane came to rest about halfway through the 2982 x 134 ft asphalt/turf runway. Weather conditions were unremarkable at the time.

Figure 1: Final rest position.

- Weather:

METAR KAFN 211452Z AUTO VRB05KT 10SM CLR 16/02 A3023 RMK AO2 SLP238 T01560022 51006

METAR KAFN 211552Z AUTO VRB03KT 10SM FEW110 14/02 A3023 RMK AO2 SLP241 T01440017

Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow III, N165LH, incident occurred on May 20, 2026, at Canandaigua Airport (IUA/KIUA), Canandaigua, New York

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=N165LH

- History of Flight:
On May 20, 2026, at about 1427 local time, a Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow III, N165LH, registered to Rochester Air Center LLC, sustained unknown damage when it landed gearup on runway 31 at Canandaigua Airport (IUA/KIUA), Canandaigua, New York. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The local flight originated at 1424.

- Weather:

METAR KIUA 201815Z AUTO 32009KT 10SM SCT060 SCT120 16/07 A3012 RMK AO2 T01570072

METAR KIUA 201835Z AUTO 29010KT 10SM SCT060 SCT120 16/07 A3012 RMK AO2 T01610074

Maule M-7-260C Orion, N261MM, incident occurred on May 21, 2026, at Kanab Municipal Airport (KNB/KKNB), Kanab, 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=N261MM

- History of Flight:
On May 21, 2026, at about 1625 local time, a privately-registered Maule M-7-260C Orion, N261MM, sustained unknown damage when it ground looped during a landing attempt on runway 1 at Kanab Municipal Airport (KNB/KKNB), Kanab, Utah. The pilot was not injured. The cross-country flight originated from Chino Airport (CNO/KCNO), Chino, California, at 1251.

- Weather:

METAR KKNB 212215Z AUTO 32010G17KT 10SM MM 28/M09 A2995 RMK A01

METAR KKNB 212235Z AUTO 24011G16KT 10SM MM 28/M09 A2993 RMK A01

Mustang II, N512, incident occurred on May 21, 2026, at Midlothian/Waxahachie-Mid Way Regional Airport (JWY/KJWY), Midlothian, 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=N512

- History of Flight:
On May 21, 2026, at about 1004 local time, a privately-registered Mustang II, N512, sustained unknown damage when one gear broke off following a hard landing on runway 18 at Midlothian/Waxahachie-Mid Way Regional Airport (JWY/KJWY), Midlothian, Texas. The pilot was not injured.

Figure 1: ADS-B data

- Weather:

METAR KJWY 211455Z AUTO VRB03KT 10SM SCT100 21/20 A3003 RMK AO2 T02120200 53011 $

METAR KJWY 211515Z AUTO 00000KT 9SM SCT011 BKN018 BKN100 21/20 A3003 RMK AO2 T02140202 $

Piper PA-28-181 Archer TX, N680TF, incident occurred on May 21, 2026, at Mesquite Metro Airport (HQZ/KHQZ), Mesquite, 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=N680TF

- History of Flight:
On May 21, 2026, at about 0946 local time, a Piper PA-28-181 Archer TX, N680TF, registered to Air Fleet Holdings LLC and being operated by Thrust Flight, sustained unknown, but apparent no damage following a runway excursion at Mesquite Metro Airport (HQZ/KHQZ), Mesquite, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The local flight originated at 0920.

The FAA reported that the airplane veered off the runway at Mesquite. According to ADS-B data, at 0815, the airplane departed Addison (KADS) and headed towards Mesquite where it conducted several touch and go(es). The final landing was recorded at 0946 which matched the FAA incident time. At 1310, the airplane departed KHQZ on a short flight back to KADS. 

- Weather:

METAR KHQZ 211350Z 09004KT 10SM CLR 22/19 A3001

METAR KHQZ 211450Z 06003KT 10SM OVC015 23/19 A3002

Cessna 172H Skyhawk, N2417L, incident occurred on May 17, 2026, at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM/KMGM), Montgomery, Alabama

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=N2417L

- History of Flight:
On May 17, 2026, at about 1513 local time, a Cessna 172H Skyhawk, N2417L, registered to Box Aviation Inc, sustained unknown damage when it suffered a nose gear collapse at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM/KMGM), Montgomery, Alabama. The pilot was not injured.

- Weather:

METAR KMGM 171953Z 15010KT 10SM CLR 31/16 A3006 RMK AO2 SLP177 T03110156

METAR KMGM 172053Z 18008KT 10SM CLR 32/16 A3005 RMK AO2 SLP173 T03170161 56015

Spirit Engineering SE-1, N4028F, incident occurred on May 16, 2026, at Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT/KGJT), Grand Junction, Colorado

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=N4028F

- History of Flight:
On May 16, 2026, at about 0900 local time, a Spirit Engineering SE-1, N4028F, registered to Spirit Engineering Inc, sustained unknown damage when the pilot lost control on landing and veered off the runway and struck a sign at Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT/KGJT), Grand Junction, Colorado. The pilot was not injured.

- Weather:

METAR KGJT 161453Z 10SM CLR 23/M04 A2985 RMK AO2 SLP037 T02281039 50005

METAR KGJT 161553Z 11007KT 10SM CLR 25/M03 A2983 RMK AO2 SLP029 T02501033

Bellanca 14-19-3 Cruisemaster, N7NL, accident occurred on May 16, 2026, near Forney, 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=N7NL

- History of Flight:
On May 16, 2026, at about 1219 local time, a privately-registered Bellanca 14-19-3 Cruisemaster, N7NL, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Forney, Texas. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and two passengers sustained unknown injuries. The cross-country personal flight originated from Eaker Airport (DUA/KDUA), Durant, Oklahoma.

The FAA reported that the airplane experienced a loss of engine power and crashed in a field and flipped over. ADS-B data shows that the airplane departed DUA and climbed to 4,000 ft. About 25 minutes into the flight, the airplane had descended to about 3,500 ft and based on early radar imagery, appears to have flown into active weather. The airplane initiated a descent to 1,200 ft. At 1214, the airplane entered a brief climbing right hand turn, before descending again. At 1218, the airplane was at 800 ft when it entered a right hand descending turn towards an open field.

Figure 1: Flightaware track

Figure 2: ADS-B exchange data towards end of track

Figure 3: End of track

Vertical Hummingbird 300L, N284ST, accident occurred on May 16, 2026, at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport (LXT/KLXT), Lee's Summit, Missouri

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=N284ST

- History of Flight:
On May 16, 2026, at about 0945 local time, a Vertical Hummingbird 300L helicopter, N284ST, registered to AMD Air LLC, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident at Lee's Summit Municipal Airport (LXT/KLXT), Lee's Summit, Missouri. The pilot was not injured, and two passengers suffered unknown injuries.

The FAA reported that: "Aircraft during takeoff, pilot heard a noise, descended to the ground and rolled down an embankment."

- Weather:

METAR KLXT 161353Z AUTO 09009KT 10SM CLR 21/17 A2982 RMK AO2 SLP091 T02110172 $

METAR KLXT 161453Z AUTO 16007KT 10SM CLR 24/19 A2982 RMK AO2 SLP089 T02440194 50008 $

METAR KLXT 161553Z AUTO 20015G21KT 10SM CLR 27/20 A2980 RMK AO2 SLP083 T02670200 $