Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Beechcraft A36 Bonanza, N41VH, accident occurred on July 8, 2025, at Cavanaugh Bay Airport (66S), Coolin, Idaho

  • Location: Coolin, ID
  • Accident Number: WPR25LA204
  • Date & Time: July 8, 2025, 18:40 Local
  • Registration: N41VH
  • Aircraft: Beech A36
  • Injuries: 2 Minor
  • Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200487/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N41VH

On July 8, 2025, about 1840 Pacific daylight time, a Beech A36, N41VH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Coolin, Idaho. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, while departing from Cavanaugh Bay Airport (66S) Coolin, Idaho, the right wing contacted a tree at the end of the runway, and the airplane rolled over and came to rest in a lake located just off the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.

Witnesses to the accident reported they heard the engine running at a “high RPM” and saw the airplane make a steep right bank on the departure end of the runway before the right wing struck trees. Density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be about 5,267 ft.

The wreckage was retained for further examination. 

Lancair 360, N360RF, fatal accident occurred on June 29, 2023, at Ottawa Executive Airport (Z98), Zeeland, Michigan

  • Location: Zeeland, MI 
  • Accident Number: ERA25FA248 
  • Date & Time: June 29, 2025, 10:49 Local 
  • Registration: N360RF 
  • Aircraft: ROBERT FIDLER LANCAIR 320/360 
  • Injuries: 1 Fatal 
  • Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200409/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N360RF

On June 29, 2025, at 10:49 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Lancair 360, N360RF, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Zeeland, Michigan. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to a witness, the pilot taxied to the fuel service station and added fuel to the airplane just prior to the accident flight. After fueling, the airplane was seen taking off from runway 20. Shortly after rotation, the airplane began to roll to the left, and the roll continued until the airplane was in a steep bank angle. Subsequently, the nose pitched down, and the airplane impacted terrain to the east of the runway; a postaccident fire ensued.

The initial impact point was approximately 100 ft east of the runway centerline. A crater that was approximately 12 ft from the initial impact point contained the propeller, starter ring gear support, and multiple pieces of plexiglass and composite material. The main wreckage location was about 40 ft from the initial impact point and contained the engine, cockpit, fuselage, both wings, and the empennage. A post-impact fire consumed most of the airframe, and the engine displayed heavy thermal damage. All of the major airplane components were located at the accident site.

The airframe was mostly consumed by the post-impact fire, and displayed impact damage signatures. Flight control continuity for the rudder was established from the rudder bellcrank to the rudder pedal attach brackets for both the left and right rudder controls. One of the left rudder cables was noted to have an unsecured Nicopress compression sleeve. At the time of the examination, the compression sleeve was approximately 5 inches from the rudder pedal attach bracket for the left rudder cable. The compression sleeve showed no signs of being compressed to secure it to the rudder cable.

The right aileron remained attached to its installation point and was thermally damaged. The right aileron control tube that attached the aileron to the bellcrank remained intact and was secured to both the aileron and the bellcrank. The right aileron bellcrank remained intact and was capable of normal movement. The control tube that attached the aileron bellcrank to the idler bellcrank was thermally damaged at the idler bellcrank; however, the rod end remained attached to the idler bellcrank and the bolt, washer, and nut remained secured to the rod end. The right idler bellcrank was thermally damaged and was partially melted. The control tube going from the idler bellcrank to the controls in the cockpit was thermally damaged and was mostly destroyed. The rod end that was attached to the idler bellcrank was located near the idler bellcrank location, and the bolt, washer, and nut remained secured to the rod end. The control tube rod end that was attached to the cockpit controls remained secured to its installation point.

The left aileron remained attached to its installation point and was thermally damaged. All the aluminum portions of the left aileron control tubes and bellcranks were thermally destroyed; however, all of the control tube rod ends remained. The left aileron control tube rod end that attached to the aileron remained secured to the aileron, and the control tube rod end that attached to the cockpit controls remained secured to its installation point. The other four rod ends were located at their respective destroyed bellcrank locations, and each rod end still contained the attaching bolt, washer and nut.

Both elevators remained attached to the elevator bellcrank and displayed thermal damage signatures. The elevator control rod going from the elevator bellcrank to the idler bellcrank remained attached to the elevator bellcrank, the control tube was thermally damaged near the idler bellcrank and was melted; however, the elevator control tube rod end was located and contained the bolt, washer, and nut. The idler bellcrank was destroyed by the postaccident fire and only the support remained. The elevator control tube going from the idler bellcrank to the control sticks torque tube was completely melted except for the two rod ends. The rod end that was attached to the idler bellcrank was found near the idler bellcrank support and the rod end bolt, washer, and nut remained secure. The other rod end for the elevator control tube remained secured to the control torque tube.

Both flaps were thermally damaged, the attachment hinges were melted, and the flaps were separated from the airframe, being found adjacent to their original installation points. The flap torque tube was thermally damaged, and the flap actuator bellcrank was destroyed. Both flap actuating rods remained attached to the torque tube, and the other ends still had the bolts and nutplates attached to the rod ends. 

The engine remained attached to the airframe through its mounts, cables, wires, and hoses. The engine was thermally damaged from the postaccident fire. The crankcase was intact, and there were no visible signs of a catastrophic internal engine failure. The propeller flange was impact-separated from the rest of the crankshaft and remained attached to the propeller. The top spark plugs were removed and the electrodes displayed normal wear and operating signatures. 

The propeller was located in the crater near the initial impact point and was mostly buried in the soil. Both propeller blades remained within the propeller hub and could not be moved. The propeller blades were marked with “A” and “B” for documentation purposes during the postaccident examination. The propeller blade marked “A” displayed leading edge gouging, chordwise scratches, and minor twisting deformation. The propeller blade marked “B” displayed leading edge gouging, chordwise scratches, and minor aft bending and twisting deformation. The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Cessna 182Q Skylane, N4953N, accident occurred on June 26, 2025, at Brantley County Airport (4J1), Nahunta, Georgia

  • Location: Nahunta, GA 
  • Accident Number: ERA25LA242 
  • Date & Time: June 26, 2025, 09:30 Local 
  • Registration: N4953N 
  • Aircraft: Cessna 182Q 
  • Injuries: 1 None 
  • Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200393/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N4953N

On June 26, 2025, at about 09:30 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182Q, N4953N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Nahunta, Georgia. The private pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, the airplane had just undergone extensive maintenance in Sylacauga, Alabama, and he was planning to take the airplane to the W H 'Bud' Barron Airport (DBN), Dublin, Georgia. The pilot stopped at the Brantley County Airport (4J1), Nahunta, Georgia, on June 24, 2025, and the airplane remained parked until the day of the accident. The pilot reported that he performed a preflight inspection followed by a normal start of the engine. He allowed the engine to warm up and performed a magneto drop and propeller governor check. Shortly thereafter, a fire suddenly came up from the floor around the rudder pedals. The pilot exited the airplane and unsuccessfully attempted to extinguish the fire with a handheld fire extinguisher. The fire consumed most of the fuselage and the right wing, and the left wing was thermally damaged at the wing root.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Van's RV-10, N847CS, fatal accident occurred on June 28, 2025, near Capron, Illinois

  • Location: Capron, IL
  • Accident Number: CEN25FA224 
  • Date & Time: June 28, 2025, 09:34 Local
  • Registration: N847CS 
  • Aircraft: Vans RV-10 
  • Injuries: 2 Fatal 
  • Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional 
https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200406/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N847CS

On June 28, 2025, about 0934 central daylight time, a Vans RV-10 airplane, N847CS, was substantially damaged during an accident near Capron, Illinois. The pilot and flight instructor were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 instructional flight.

The purpose of the flight was for the pilot to complete a flight review with the flight instructor. According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) flight data, at 0909:06, the airplane departed runway 23 at Waukegan National Airport (UGN), Waukegan, Illinois. After takeoff, the airplane flew to the west and climbed to about 3,300 ft mean sea level (msl) where the flight track was consistent with maneuvers that are often associated with flight reviews. 

After the maneuvers, the airplane continued flying to the west until 0931:53, when it entered a right descending turn from about 3,000 ft msl. The airplane completed two 360° turns, over a period of 1 minute 40 seconds, as it continued to descend. Beginning at 0933:33, the airplane briefly flew northwest about 0.3 nautical miles (nm) while it continued to descend. About 13 seconds later, the airplane flew over Capron Road, a north-south road, about 590 ft above ground level (agl) before it entered a right turn to the east and continued to descend. At 0934:03, the airplane crossed over Capron Road for a second time, on an east heading. As of the final ADS-B data return at 0934:05, the airplane was about 315 ft agl and 154 ft west of the accident site. Preliminary aircraft performance calculations indicated that as of the final ADS-B return, the airplane had decelerated to about 54 knots calibrated airspeed (KCAS) and was descending about 2,850 feet per minute (fpm).

There were no witnesses to the accident. The airplane impacted a cornfield on a west heading. The corn damage was generally circular with a diameter consistent with the airplane’s wingspan. Based on the impact crater and the minimal lateral damage to the corn, the airplane impacted the ground while in a steep nose-down pitch attitude.

All structural components and flight control surfaces were located at the accident site. Elevator and aileron flight control continuity could not be confirmed due to impact-related damage; however, all observed separations to the flight control push/pull tubes and rod end bearings were consistent with overstress. Rudder cable continuity was confirmed from the cockpit pedals to the rudder control horn. Each flap remained attached to its respective wing; however, due to impact-related damage the flap setting was not determined during the onsite examination.

Both wing fuel tanks ruptured during impact, but there was evidence of fuel blight observed on the corn leaves surrounding the accident site. The airframe fuel lines were also damaged during impact, but residual fuel was observed at the fuel selector and the fuel line between the engine-driven fuel pump and the fuel servo. The engine-driven fuel pump discharged fuel when operated by hand. The fuel servo’s inlet fuel screen was not contaminated with debris and remained wet with residual fuel. The fuel flow transducer separated from the engine but was otherwise undamaged, and blown air passed through the fuel flow transducer without restriction.

The engine was found partially buried in the impact crater. A visual examination of the engine did not reveal any crankcase or cylinder fractures. Internal engine and valve train continuity was confirmed as the engine crankshaft was rotated through the propeller governor drive gear. The engine rear accessory gear section rotated freely. Compression and suction were noted on all six cylinders in conjunction with crankshaft rotation. An unquantified amount of engine oil remained in sump. The screw-on oil filter was found separated from the rear accessory section. The engine was equipped with two electronic magnetos that were not tested during the onsite examination. The top sparkplugs exhibited features consistent with normal engine operation. The fuel distribution valve and associated fuel injector lines exhibited impact-related damage. The fuel injectors were found attached to their respective fuel injector line, and each fuel injector was found properly installed in its respective cylinder head. The fuel injectors were clear of debris. The fuel servo exhibited significant impact-related damage. The engine examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.

The two-blade propeller remained attached to the engine crankshaft. One of the two propeller blades was found completely buried in the soil; however, when recovered the propeller blade exhibited an S-shaped spanwise bend, chordwise scratches, burnishing, and leading-edge damage. The other propeller blade remained relatively straight and exhibited minor chordwise scratches.

The airplane’s damaged primary flight display (PFD), multifunction display (MFD), electronic attitude indicator, and digital navigation/communication device were shipped to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory for examination and possible data extraction. The airplane wreckage was recovered from the accident site to a secure location.

Rans S-7S Courier, N69TY, accident occurred on July 12, 2025, near Blackfoot, Idaho

  • Location: Blackfoot, ID 
  • Accident Number: WPR25LA210 
  • Date & Time: July 12, 2025, 20:15 Local 
  • Registration: N69TY 
  • Aircraft: HIBBARD RICK RANS S7 
  • Injuries: 1 None 
  • Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200414/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N69TY

On July 12, 2025, about 2015 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Rans S7 airplane, N69TY, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Blackfoot, Idaho. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that after flying for about 45 minutes and completing a 75-mile loop covering his farm property, he was headed home when the engine popped and started to vibrate. He continued to run the engine at reduced power and subsequently observed the oil pressure drop to 0 psi at which time the engine stopped producing power. He initiated a forced landing to a wheat field. During landing the airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the rudder.

During the recovery of the airplane the lower fuselage was covered in oil and the engine crankcase and one of the engines cylinders were damaged.

The pilot reported that at the time of the accident the engine had accrued about 959 hours of operation and 13 hours since the last inspection on March 8, 2025.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Beechcraft 95-B55 Baron, N9420Y, accident occurred on June 29, 2025, near Eustis-Mid-Florida Airport (X55), Mount Dora, Florida


  • Location: Mount Dora, FL 
  • Accident Number: ERA25LA250 
  • Date & Time: June 29, 2025, 11:07 Local 
  • Registration: N9420Y 
  • Aircraft: Beech 95-B55 (T42A) 
  • Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor 
  • Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal 
https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200414/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N9420Y

Premier One Express LLC

On June 29, 2025, about 1107 eastern daylight time, a Beech 95-B55, N9420Y, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mount Dora, Florida. The private pilot was seriously injured and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the passenger, the purpose of the flight was to obtain fuel at a different, unspecified, airport. This was the passenger’s first time being in an airplane. He described watching the pilot do a preflight of the airplane, but no fuel was added. During the start-up, everything appeared normal, and they taxied to the runway for departure. He described that once the nose of the airplane became airborne, the right engine “sputtered out” and they immediately went to the right. The airplane contacted a tree, before it came to rest in an adjacent lake. He further described that once the airplane came to rest, the pilot shut the fuel off, and they began to walk back to the airport for assistance.

The airplane came to rest partially in the water of a pond in a residential area. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The wreckage was retained for further investigation. 

Monday, July 28, 2025

Mooney M20J, N5764H, fatal accident occurred on July 27, 2025, near Nampa Municipal Airport (MAN/KMAN), Nampa, Idaho

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=N5764H

Sleeptytime PLLC


- History of Flight:
On July 27, 2025, at about 1741 local time, a Mooney M20J, N5764H, registered to Sleeptytime PLLC out of Eagle, ID, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Nampa Municipal Airport (MAN/KMAN), Nampa, Idaho. The pilot and two passengers were fatally injured. The flight was originating at the time, and was destined to an unknown location.

According to flight-track history, the airplane frequently flew from Nampa to McMinnville, Oregon. It had arrived from McMinnville on July 25, 2025.

According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, at 1734:02, the airplane was observed taxiing from the ramp to runway 29. At about 1739:30, the airplane started the takeoff roll from runway 29. At 1740:05, the airplane lifted off, about halfway down the runway. At 1740:33, the airplane was at 2700 ft, 64 knots groundspeed, and climbing. 11 seconds later, at 1740:44, the airplane was observed at 2800 ft, 57 knots groundspeed, and initiating what appeared to be a left turn. 6 seconds later, at 1740:50, the airplane started a 180 degree turn. At 1740:56, the airplane reached an altitude of 2875 ft, 58 knots groundspeed. 3 seconds later, the airplane ceased climbing and was about halfway through the turn when it started to lose altitude. At 1741:05, the last ADS-B return was recorded in the area of the accident site and less than 0.50 mile from the departure end of runway 29. The airplane was at 2800 ft, 68 knots groundspeed, and descending 3000 feet per minute (fpm). (Figure 1)

Figure 1: ADS-B Data Plot

A witness reported that they were in the backyard of a house and observing the accident aircraft takeoff. They stated that the airplane "start turning way too low, looked like they were trying to head back, I think turned too sharp and slow and stalled, nosedived straight into the ground." Which appears consistent with the ADS-B data.

- Pilot Info:
The pilot, aged 43, held a private pilot certificate (a most recent/updated issue date of 6/28/2024), with a rating for airplane single engine land aircraft. His second class FAA medical was issued on February 2024, with a note stating he must use corrective lens(es) to meet vision standards at all required distances.

- Wreckage and Impact Information:
The airplane impacted an unoccupied structure and came to rest upright.. All four corners of the aircraft were accounted for at the accident site. There was no post crash fire. Both wings sustained extensive aft crush damage and remained attached to the airframe. The cockpit/front section sustained aft crush damage. The tail remained attached to the fuselage, was pointed upwards, and sustained deformation damage. The accident appears consistent with a low altitude aerodynamic stall/spin.

The position of the flaps and landing gear could not be determined based on available accident site photos. The forward section of the fuselage was cut by first responders to reach the occupants.

- Aircraft Info:
The 4-seat, low wing, retractable gear airplane, MSN 24-1477, was manufactured in 1984. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-360 SER engine. The certified max gross weight was 2740 lbs.

The following is the stall speeds chart from the POH:


- Airport Info:
Runway 11/29 was 5,000 feet long by 75 feet wide. The runway surface was asphalt. The airport field elevation was 2,537 feet.

- Weather:
METAR KMAN 272335Z AUTO 00000KT 9SM CLR 32/11 A2993 RMK A01
METAR KMAN 272355Z AUTO 00000KT 9SM CLR 32/11 A2993 RMK A01

The density altitude was calculated at 5143 ft.

- Additional Information:
According to the Mooney M20J Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), page 41:

"The best spin recovery technique is to avoid flight conditions conducive to spin entry. Low speed flight near stall should be approached with caution and excessive flight control movements in this flight regime should be avoided, Should an unintentional stall occur the aircraft should not be allowed to progress into a deep stall. Fast, but smooth stall recovery will minimize the risk of progressing into a spin, If an unusual post stall attitude develops and results in a spin, quick application of anti-spin procedures should shorten the the recovery."