What happened
On August 5, 2025, at approximately 11:31 EDT, a Lewinski Sonex, registration N67BG, was involved in an accident near Tellico Plains, Tennessee. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
Prior to the flight, the pilot washed the aircraft and conducted several taxi tests. During one of these tests, the pilot observed a violent shaking that ceased upon applying aft control input; the pilot initially suspected a nose wheel bearing issue. The pilot then decided to perform a single flight around the traffic pattern.
After takeoff, with one notch of flaps extended, the aircraft experienced a sudden, uncorrectable pull to the left. As the aircraft approached trees, the pilot applied aft control input and believed the airplane stalled. The aircraft descended in an uncontrolled manner and came to rest in trees approximately 10 to 12 feet above the ground. Following the impact, a fire started in the engine compartment. The pilot exited the cockpit and jumped to the ground.
Injuries
The pilot sustained 1 serious injury, consisting of second-degree burns on the lower portion of one leg and first-degree burns on the lower portion of the other leg. There were 0 fatalities.