Kolb Firestar, N55161, fatal accident occurred on July 16, 2025, near Meadow Grove, Nebraska

• Location: Meadow Grove, NE 
• Accident Number: CEN25FA261 
• Date & Time: July 19, 2025, 20:50 Local 
• Registration: N55161 
• Aircraft: Kolb Firestar 
• Injuries: 1 Fatal 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200577/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N55161

On July 19, 2025, about 2050 central daylight time, a Kolb Firestar airplane, N55161, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Meadow Grove, Nebraska. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A family member reported that the pilot departed his private airstrip about 1610. Local authorities were notified of the accident about 2050 when a property owner noticed the airplane in his soybean field. There were no witnesses, and the exact time of the accident is unknown.

The accident site was located in a soybean field about 0.3 mile south of the departure airstrip. Initial ground impact was about 50 ft from the wreckage, and the impact path was oriented on a southwest heading. The forward portion of the fuselage was crushed aft, and the cockpit area was compromised. The left wing was separated at the root and retained by the wing strut. The right wing remained attached to the fuselage at the root with the wing strut intact. The tailboom was fractured about 2 ft aft of the fuselage consistent with impact forces. It was retained by the elevator and rudder cables. The empennage remained attached to the tail boom. The upper portion of the vertical stabilizer and rudder were deformed consistent with the impact sequence.

Aileron control continuity was continuous from the control stick to the wing roots, and from the wing roots to the ailerons. Aileron control rod end separations at the wing roots appeared consistent with overstress failures resulting from the impact. The torque tube from the control stick to the aft fuselage was deformed consistent with the impact damage. Both ailerons remained attached to the wings at the hinges. Control cable continuity from the control stick to the elevators and from the rudder pedals to the rudder horn was confirmed.

At the time of the on-scene examination, the engine was separated and rested adjacent to the fuselage. The engine assembly appeared intact. Both intake air filters and carburetors were separated. The left carburetor was located in the debris path. The right carburetor was retained by the fuel inlet hose. Internal engine and gearbox continuity were confirmed via rotation of the crankshaft. Two propeller blades remained attached to the hub and appeared intact. One propeller blade was separated at the root and located in the debris path. The separated blade was deformed and delaminated consistent with ground impact.

The engine ignition modules and engine monitor were retained for further evaluation.

Cessna 182P Skylane, N8243M, accident occurred on July 28, 2025, at Bolivar Municipal Airport (M17), Bolivar, Missouri

• Location: Bolivar, MO 
• Accident Number: CEN25LA295 
• Date & Time: July 28, 2025, 18:00 Local 
• Registration: N8243M 
• Aircraft: Cessna 182P 
• Injuries: 1 None 
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200664/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NNumberResult?NNumberTxt=N8243M

On July 28, 2025, at about 1800 central daylight time, a Cessna 182P, N8243M, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Bolivar, Missouri. 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 when he advanced the throttle to initiate a taxi away from his hangar, he heard a loud popping sound immediately followed by flames both inside and outside the engine cowling. The pilot quickly closed the fuel shut-off valve, turned the master switch to the off position, and exited towards his nearby vehicle. The airplane was fully engulfed in fire by the time the pilot returned with a fire extinguisher from his vehicle.

Postaccident examination revealed an engine fuel primer line melted and fused to the alternator output wire (see Figure 1)

The airplane and associated components were retained for further examination. 

Murphy SR3500 Moose, N80TM, fatal accident occurred on July 15, 2025, near Quinault, Washington

• Location: Quinault, WA 
• Accident Number: WPR25FA213 
• Date & Time: July 15, 2025, 14:40 Local 
• Registration: N80TM 
• Aircraft: SCOTT MACWILLIAM SR3500 MOOSE 
• Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious, 1 Minor
• Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/200553/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N80TM

On July 15, 2025, at about 1440 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Murphy Moose SR3500 airplane, N80TM, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Quinault, Washington. The pilot received minor injuries, one passenger received serious injuries, and one passenger was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the airplane’s records, it had originally been constructed in Canada with a Vedeneyev M14P radial engine. In November 2023, it was imported to the United States and was altered to accommodate the installation of a Pratt & Whitney Canada T-74 (PT6A-20) engine. The pilot subsequently purchased the airplane in September 2024.

The airplane was based at Olympia Regional Airport (OLM), Olympia, Washington. On the morning of the accident, the pilot did not note any anomalies with the airframe or engine during his preflight inspection. The pilot and passengers boarded the airplane, and flew to Sekiu Airport (11S), Sekiu, Washington. After having lunch in Sekiu, they departed for the return flight to OLM. (See Figure 1).

According to the pilot, about 20 minutes after departure from 11S, the engine sound changed, and the engine began to exhibit a “weird vibration.” Shortly thereafter, the Master Caution light on the instrument panel illuminated, and the engine experienced a total loss of power. When the pilot realized he would not be able to glide the airplane to a nearby lake, he extended the flaps slow the airplane in anticipation of the forced landing. The airplane subsequently impacted densely forested, mountainous terrain within Olympic National Park. (See Figure 2).

The pilot reported he lost consciousness during the accident and did not regain consciousness until hours later. After removing the passengers from the airplane, the pilot manually activated the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) and called 911. According to records provided by the National Park Service, the Olympic Park Dispatch was notified of the call at about 1840. The accident site was determined to be unreachable by foot, and at about 1915, a rescue helicopter from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was dispatched to recover the airplane occupants. At about 2204, dispatch was notified that the airplane occupants had been hoisted into the rescue helicopter by long line.

The wreckage has been retained for further examination.

Schleicher ASW 27-18, N929JK, fatal accident occurred on August 1, 2025, near Morgan, 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=N929JK

- History of the Flight:

On August 1, 2025, at about 1344 local time, a Schleicher ASW 27-18 glider, N929JK, registered to L/D Max Sales LLC out of Missoula, Montana, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Morgan, Utah. The sole pilot onboard sustained fatal injuries. The local personal flight originated from Morgan County Airport (42U), Morgan, Utah.

According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, earlier in the day, the glider departed 42U at 0821 LT on a short 22 minute flight around the airport. The glider did not fly near any mountains during this leg. The glider departed a second time at 0938 LT on a 24 minute flight that followed a similar pattern to the first one (figure 1).

Figure 1: ADS-B Exchange data for 1st and 2nd flight

The accident flight (Figure 2) originated from 42U at 1331 LT. The glider departed runway 21 and climbed to an altitude of 5400 ft before conducting a left turn towards the northeast. At 1336:25, the glider was at 7000 ft when it conducted a right turn towards the south. At 1337:47, the glider conducted a right turn, and was now tracking north and climbed to an altitude of 8000 ft before beginning a series of maneuvers close to a cliffside (figure 3). At about 1343:06, the glider stopped these maneuvers and began descending from that altitude (while heading north). At 1343:28, the glider conducted a left turn and continued descending until it reached 7100 ft. At 1344:18, the glider conducted a descending right turn, which continued until it impacted a mountain side. At one point during this turn, the average rate was -7200 feet per minute. The last ADS-B return was recorded in the immediate vicinity of the accident site, the glider was at 6500 ft, 105 knots groundspeed, and descending -1000 feet per minute. (figure 4)

Figure 2: Accident Flight

Figure 3

Figure 4

- Wreckage and Impact Information:
The glider was destroyed by impact forces and post crash fire. The accident site elevation was roughly 7000 ft. The accident sparked a wildfire on the mountain that was contained to 3 acres.

- Pilot Info:

Unknown at this point.

- Aircraft Info:

The non-powered single seat glider, MSN 29007, was manufactured in 2006. It is equipeed with plain flaps, winglets, a retractable undercarriage and a water ballast system.

- Airport Info:
Morgan County Airport (42U), is a public airport located 8 miles northwest of Morgan, Utah. It sits at an elevation of 5020 ft, and features a single asphalt runway 3/21 that is 3904 x 50 ft.

- Weather:

The nearest recorded weather at KHIF, at 1355 (about 11 minutes after the accident), included: winds 150 at 3 knots, 10 miles visibility, no clouds under 12000ft AGL, temperature: 31°C, dewpoint -2°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.23 inches of mercury.

METAR KHIF 011855Z AUTO 23004KT 10SM CLR 30/01 A3023 RMK AO2 SLP163 T02980013=

METAR KHIF 011955Z AUTO 15003KT 10SM CLR 31/M02 A3023 RMK AO2 SLP167 T03091018=

METAR KHIF 012055Z AUTO 27005KT 10SM CLR 32/M02 A3021 RMK AO2 SLP156 T03191022 57008=

- Additional Information:

This is the first fatal accident involving a glider in 2025 on US soil.

Cessna 152, N6125B, fatal accident occurred on August 1, 2025, near Hornellsville, 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=N6125B

- History of the Fight:

On August 1, 2025, at about 1905 local time, a Cessna 152, N6125B, registered to BV Road and Site LLC out of Penfield, New York. The sole pilot onboard sustained fatal injuries. The personal flight originated from Ledgedale Airpark (7G0), Brockport, New York, at about 1807 LT.

According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data, the airplane departed runway 28 at 7G0 and entered a climbing left turn to an inflight cruising altitude of 5,000 ft. Roughly 11 minutes into the flight, the airplane descended to about 3,700 ft over a 10-minute period before the track stopped. The last 30 minutes or so of the flight were not recorded.

There were no known witnesses to the accident. The FAA reported that the aircraft "impacted a field while enroute."

No photos are available of the wreckage.

- Pilot Info:

According to FAA public records, the pilot/registered owner did not hold a certificated pilot license or FAA medical.

- Weather:

The nearest recorded weather at KROC, at 1854 (about 11 minutes before the accident), included: winds 030 at 8 knots, 10 miles visibility, few clouds (FEW) 3000ft AGL, few clouds (FEW) 28000ft AGL, temperature: 22°C, dewpoint 6°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.29 inches of mercury.

METAR KROC 012154Z 01006KT 10SM FEW030 SCT280 22/06 A3030 RMK AO2 SLP262 T02220056=

METAR KROC 012254Z 03008KT 10SM FEW030 FEW280 22/06 A3029 RMK AO2 SLP259 T02170056=

METAR KROC 012354Z 05004KT 10SM FEW280 21/06 A3029 RMK AO2 SLP258 T02060056 10228 20206 55003=

- Additional Info:

No

Piper J-5C Cub Cruiser, N28151, fatal accident occurred on August 1, 2025, near Rochester, 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=N28151

- History of the Flight

On August 1, 2025, at about 1330 local time, a privately-registered Piper J-5C Cub Cruiser, N28151, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees and terrain near Rochester, New York. One occupant sustained fatal injuries, and the second occupant sustained serious injuries. The local personal flight originated from the Frederick Douglass International Airport (ROC/KROC), Rochester, New York.

The FAA reported that the aircraft "impacted terrain after reporting an engine problem."

A witness reported that she "saw a small plane flying very low, and it was descending super fast, and then it just disappeared, and we didn’t really hear a loud bang or anything."

The airplane came to rest inverted on a road. There was no post crash fire. All four corners of the aircraft were present at the accident site. Both wings and tail remained attached to the fuselage. An undetermined amount of fuel leak was reported.

Local news reported that the pilot and registered owner was the one who died in the accident. However, the FAA AIN reported that the passenger is the person who died in the accident.

A search of the public FAA airman records brought back two matches to the fatally injured occupant's/registered owner name. The first individual was issued a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land aircraft certificate in 1963. The second individual was issued a student pilot certificate in 2024.

Blog Update 1: August 4, 2025

Recently, there was a noticeable increase in the number of views, and we've got the first *six* comments ever. The blog was shared over three different aviation forums, I believe this caused it to happen. (Figure 1)

For those wondering, yes, I am the same person who used to run the now deleted "Aviation Accidents / This Day in History" also known as "Junior Ga Reporter" Facebook page.

If you have any suggestions and ideas, share them in the comments. I will make three posts tomorrow for the fatals that happened on August 1 after the FAA and NTSB update their databases.

Figure 1: Views data from last 30 days.