What happened
On July 13, 2025, at approximately 1915 EDT, a Moyes Liteflite Model C Dragonfly, registration N4010E, was involved in an accident near Charlestown, New Hampshire. The aircraft was being operated by Kitty Hawk Flight School LLC as a Part 91 glider tow flight. This was the pilot's fifth tow flight of the day.
After reaching an altitude of 3,500 feet, the glider was released. The pilot reduced engine power to idle and began a routine spiraling descent. During this descent, the aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power. The pilot did not realize the power loss had occurred until attempting to advance the throttle, at which point the engine failed to respond.
Video footage recorded by a witness at the departure airport showed the aircraft in a left turning descent before transitioning into a shallow right spiraling descent. The aircraft remained in the right turn until it struck a grass field approximately one-half mile from the departure airport. The impact resulted in 1 serious injury to the pilot, with 0 fatalities.
The investigation
An inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found that the aircraft's tubular fuselage structure had deformed and fractured due to impact forces. The investigation confirmed that flight control continuity was maintained from the cockpit to all control surfaces. The engine remained attached to the fuselage, and the throttle control cables were found to be continuous and attached to the throttle lever. The fuel tank contained approximately 2 gallons of fuel, and the fuel filter showed no signs of contamination.