What happened
On July 10, 2024, at approximately 12:30 EDT, a Long-EZ aircraft, registration N4JZ, was involved in an accident near Thomasville, Georgia. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
While maneuvering around weather at 11,500 feet MSL, the pilot was forced to descend rapidly to 3,500 feet MSL to maintain visual meteorological conditions. Upon reaching 3,500 feet MSL, the pilot reported that the aircraft began to shake violently and subsequently suffered a total loss of engine power.
The pilot reduced speed to the best glide airspeed and attempted to reach Thomasville Regional Airport (TVI). Unable to reach the airport, the pilot performed a forced landing in a field. The pilot was not injured during the accident, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Following the landing, the pilot noted that a section of the lower engine cowling was missing and approximately three-quarters of one wooden propeller blade had been lost. Additionally, two engine mounts were found sheared off at the firewall.