What happened
On August 11, 2025, at approximately 15:05 Central daylight time, a North American T-2SB, registration N28XT, was involved in an accident near Monticello, Iowa. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal flight.
While communicating on the Monticello Regional Airport’s Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), the pilot reported a propeller governor failure and stated intentions to return to the airport. Shortly after this transmission, the pilot reported a total loss of engine power and indicated an attempt to perform an emergency landing in a bean field located approximately 2 miles southeast of the airport.
The aircraft struck the ground with its landing gear in the retracted position. Following the initial impact, the airplane traveled approximately 275 feet along a wreckage path. The main fuselage and debris path were oriented on a 217° heading. The aircraft eventually came to rest inverted, causing substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.