What happened
On May 18, 2025, at approximately 14:16 EDT, an experimental, amateur-built Zenith 750, registration N864AJ, was involved in an accident near Greenville, South Carolina. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
Prior to the flight, the pilot had completed a condition inspection, which included removing the engine cowling to perform three separate engine runs. Following these tests, the pilot checked for oil leaks and performed a preflight inspection, noting a normal oil capacity of 3.5 quarts.
During the cruise phase of flight, the aircraft was traveling west at 2,200 feet MSL (1,200 feet AGL) with the engine at approximately 2,400 RPM. The pilot heard two "oil pressure" aural alerts from the avionics. After increasing engine speed by 100 RPM, the pilot observed an oil pressure reading of 28 PSI on the multi-function display.
As the engine was producing partial power, the pilot transitioned to a best glide airspeed. Realizing the aircraft could not reach the intended airport, the pilot maneuvered toward a landing area within a residential development. During the final approach, the pilot noted the terrain was uneven. Upon flaring for landing, the main landing gear struck the top of a steep incline and separated from the aircraft. The airplane rolled between 10 and 15 feet before nosed over.
The pilot was not injured and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.