What happened
On September 1, 2025, at approximately 16:05 EDT, a Zenith Zodiac 601HDS, registration N680LM, was involved in an accident near Connerton, Florida. The aircraft was being operated under Part 91 for personal use. The pilot had planned a series of 15-minute flights from Pilot Country Airport (X05) in Brooksville, Florida, to provide rides for relatives.
Prior to the third flight, the pilot had added 3 gallons of 89 octane automotive fuel to the aircraft, estimating a total of 9.8 gallons before the first flight. The first two flights lasted 16 minutes and 12 minutes, respectively, with the pilot reporting normal engine performance. For the third flight, the pilot estimated the remaining fuel to be between 6 and 7 gallons, which he believed was sufficient for the planned 15-minute duration based on a cruise consumption rate of 3.8 to 4.0 gallons per hour.
During the third flight, which departed at 16:01, the pilot reported no issues during the ground roll or initial climb. However, at approximately 420 feet above ground level, the engine stopped suddenly without warning, noise, vibration, or power deviations. The pilot transitioned to a best glide pitch, turned into the wind, and attempted two engine restarts; while the starter functioned, the engine did not restart. The pilot then performed a forced landing in a nearby field. During the landing, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest upside down. The pilot and passenger sustained 2 minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft.
The investigation
An FAA Inspector examined the wreckage at the scene and found substantial damage to the rudder, fuselage, and both wings. Fuel was present in the fuselage-mounted tank and both wing tanks; the header tank was not examined. The wreckage was recovered for further study.