Accident Overview
On July 12, 2025, at about 2015 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Rans S7 airplane, registration N69TY, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Blackfoot, Idaho. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the flight had been uneventful for approximately 45 minutes, during which he completed a 75-mile loop over his farm property. While heading home, the engine began to pop and vibrate. The pilot reduced power and continued to operate the engine, but subsequently observed the oil pressure drop to 0 psi, at which point the engine stopped producing power. He initiated a forced landing into a wheat field. During the landing, the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder.
Aircraft and Engine Details
The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated about 959 hours of total operation, with 13 hours since its last inspection on March 8, 2025.
Post-Accident Examination
During recovery, the lower fuselage was covered in oil. Examination revealed damage to the engine crankcase and one of the engine's cylinders. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.