Accident Details
On August 25, 2025, at approximately 1456 Pacific daylight time, a Czech Aircraft Group SRO Sportcruiser, registration N538SF, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Puyallup, Washington. The pilot received serious injuries, while the passenger was not injured. The aircraft was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a maintenance test flight.
Flight History
The airplane had just completed a 100-hour maintenance inspection. A pilot and a mechanic from the flight school were conducting the post-maintenance check flight. After takeoff from runway 35, the pilot reported an engine problem. He attempted to turn back to the runway, but the airplane would not maintain altitude. The aircraft subsequently impacted a heavily vegetated field west of the airport perimeter fence.
Examination
The airplane was recovered for further examination. No additional information about the engine problem or the cause of the accident has been released.