What happened
On July 24, 2025, at approximately 10:00 CDT, an experimental amateur-built Lancair 360, registration N50LM, was involved in an accident near Hardinsburg, Kentucky. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot departed Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at approximately 07:15, traveling to DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DKB) in DeKalb, Illinois, with 34 gallons of fuel. After landing at DKB, the pilot taxied back to the runway and departed at 08:09 as part of a two-plane formation with a North American Navion. The intended destination was Breckenridge Airport (I93) in Hardinsburg, Kentucky.
While flying at a mean sea level altitude of 7,500 feet, the pilot followed the slower Navion, reducing engine power to maintain position. During the short final approach to runway 10 at I93, the engine suddenly stopped producing power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine and retracted the landing gear and flaps to extend the glide toward the runway. The aircraft struck trees approximately 1,500 feet short of the runway threshold, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing. There was no post-impact fire. The pilot and passenger sustained 2 minor injuries and there were 0 fatalities.
Prior to the approach, the pilot's last check of the fuel levels indicated approximately 6 gallons remaining, which was consistent with the sight gauge on the header tank.