What happened
On May 5, 2025, at approximately 1940 EDT, an experimental, amateur-built FFF LLC Express 2000 FT, registration N519EA, crashed near Polk, Ohio. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot had previously flown from Delphi Municipal Airport (1I9) to Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL) on April 27, 202 and departed BKL at 1857 under visual flight rules to return to 1I9. During the flight, ADS-B data showed the aircraft's flight path became erratic at 3,000 feet, characterized by irregular changes in altitude, heading, and airspeed. This occurred while the aircraft was in an area of heavy precipitation.
An air traffic controller from Cleveland (CLE) attempted to contact the aircraft multiple times without success. Eventually, a Mansfield (MFD) local controller established communication with the pilot. The pilot stated he was attempting to land at Ashland County Airport (3G4) and reported experiencing a rough ride and difficulty controlling the airplane. After the controller suggested flying southbound, the pilot did not respond, and radar contact was lost when the aircraft was at 2,600 feet.
The wreckage was located in a wooded area approximately 3.3 nautical miles northeast of 3G4. The aircraft struck a tree limb and impacted the terrain in a 15-degree nose-low attitude during a right turn. The impact resulted in 1 fatality.
At the time of the accident, weather at Wayne County Airport (BJJ) indicated moderate rain, thunderstorms, and mist, with a peak wind of 40 knots. A Convective SIGMET was in effect for the area, forecasting severe thunderstorms with possible hail and wind gusts up to 60 knots.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine and propeller were recovered approximately 3 feet below ground level. The engine had nearly separated from its mounting, and the propeller had separated from the crankshaft. While the primary flight control surfaces remained attached, the baggage door, left cabin door, and right cabin door had separated from their mounts due to the impact. Both fuel tanks were breached, though the fuel caps remained in place.
Maintenance records showed the aircraft's most recent condition inspection was completed on September 6, 2024. The pilot held a private pilot certificate with single-engine land and rotorcraft-helicopter ratings but did not possess an instrument rating.