Accident Overview
On July 2, 2025, at approximately 1313 Pacific daylight time, an Evolution Aircraft REVOLT weight shift control aircraft (trike), registration N774RS, was substantially damaged in an accident near Mount Vernon, Washington. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal operation.
Pre-Accident Events
According to a family member, the pilot brought the aircraft to a grass landing strip on the family member's property to take photographs before placing it for sale. The strip was oriented north/south, measured about 600 ft long and 50 ft wide, and was bordered by tall trees. On the day of the accident, the pilot expressed concern about variable and gusting winds. He then boarded the aircraft, taxied around the north end of the strip several times, and initiated a takeoff to the south.
Accident Sequence
Video recorded by the family member showed the aircraft climbing to about 30 ft above ground level, then banking left toward trees along the eastern side of the runway. As it neared the tree line, the aircraft rapidly entered a steep right bank. It contacted the upper branches of a fir tree and subsequently descended into terrain.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage site revealed the aircraft came to rest on its right side near the south end of the airstrip. The wing remained attached to the fuselage. The wing's keel tube was deformed, and the leading edge structural tubes were fractured in multiple locations. The control bar was crushed upward and to the right. Fuel, consistent in color and appearance with automotive gasoline, was present in the fuel tank. All five composite propeller blades had separated from the hub near the roots.
Investigation
The aircraft's Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS) was retained for data readout as part of the ongoing investigation.