Accident Overview
On August 18, 2025, at approximately 2133 central daylight time, a Lancair NLA-275-FR-C airplane, registration N345LA, was destroyed in an accident near Bradley, Arkansas. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Path Details
According to preliminary ADS-B data, the airplane departed Lakeway Airpark in Lakeway, Texas, about 2011. It proceeded on a predominant northeast course, reaching an altitude of 10,000 ft mean sea level (msl) by 2018. After about 50 minutes, the airplane climbed to 12,175 ft msl, then to a maximum altitude of 14,125 ft msl about 18 minutes later, followed by a descent to 12,375 ft msl. The airplane then climbed again to 12,675 ft msl and subsequently descended. At around 2132, while at 11,800 ft msl, the airplane began a rapid right spiraling descent. Near the end of the descent, the data indicated a momentary level off and climb before a descending left turn into terrain.
Wreckage and Impact
The main wreckage came to rest in wooded terrain. The initial impact point was a pine tree located about 200 ft from the main wreckage. The debris field from the initial impact point to the main wreckage followed a true heading of 066° and contained fragments of the right wing. The main wreckage was oriented with the airframe upright, while the engine was inverted, with a final heading of 180°. The airplane was destroyed by the impact sequence and a postimpact fire. The wreckage was recovered from the accident site and transported to a secure location for future examination.