What happened
On October 27, 2024, at approximately 0915 Pacific daylight time, a Badlands Vaquero, registration N510DH, was involved in an accident near West Wendover, Nevada. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
While cruising at approximately 3,000 feet above ground level, the pilot observed flames emerging from the right side of the engine cowling. In response, the pilot shut off the fuel and the engine, began an emergency descent, and performed a forced landing on an interstate service road.
Following the landing, the pilot evacuated the aircraft. A fire continued to burn, resulting in the destruction of a large portion of the airplane. The pilot sustained one minor injury and was not killed in the accident.
The investigation
The wreckage of the aircraft was recovered for examination.