What happened
On September 11, 2025, at approximately 0905 Pacific daylight time, a Zenith CH801 experienced an accident near Jackpot, Nevada. The aircraft, registration N801CS, was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for a personal flight. The flight was part of a larger itinerary traveling from Grants Pass Airport (3S8) in Oregon to Wichita, Kansas.
After a scheduled stop at Jackpot Airport/Hayden Field (06U), the pilot performed a preflight inspection, which included checking fuel levels with a dipstick. Following an uneventful engine runup on runway 33, the aircraft began its takeoff roll. During the initial climb, the engine reached 4,500 rpm. However, approximately two miles northwest of the airport, the engine rpm decayed to approximately 3,700 rpm. Due to the loss of power, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude over rising terrain, prompting the pilot to perform a forced landing in an open field containing sparse vegetation.
During the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing struck the ground, causing substantial damage to the wing. There were no injuries to the pilot or the three passengers on board.