Accident Overview
On September 8, 2024, at approximately 1207 central standard time, a Zenith Zodiac CH601 airplane, registration N9853M, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Columbia, Illinois. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
The airplane was returning to Sackman Field Airport (IL91) in Columbia, Illinois, after experiencing an apparent oil leak during a maintenance test flight. According to the pilot, he smelled oil and the cockpit began to fill with smoke. During the approach, he opened the canopy to try to regain visibility, but subsequently lost control of the airplane.
Impact and Post-Crash Fire
The airplane impacted a flat agricultural field approximately 0.3 nautical miles northwest of the approach end of runway 21. A nearby surveillance camera showed the airplane contacting the ground in a nose-high, upright configuration, then nosing over and coming to rest inverted, with smoke immediately visible. The pilot reported using an onboard fire extinguisher until two witnesses arrived and pulled him from the airplane. The engine compartment, forward fuselage, and cockpit were fully engulfed in fire by the time first responders arrived.
Wreckage Examination
The debris path extended about 60 feet across the field on a heading of 140°, leading to the main wreckage. The engine compartment, fuselage, and inboard sections of both wings sustained extensive thermal damage from the post-crash fire. Flight control continuity from the flight control surfaces to the cockpit controls was confirmed, as was engine power control continuity.
The engine, an experimental inline four-cylinder normally aspirated unit manufactured by Aero Momentum, exhibited damage including several holes in the engine case and oil pan, corresponding with a damaged piston assembly.
Wreckage Retention
The wreckage was retained for further examination.