Accident Overview
On September 25, 2025, at approximately 0653 mountain daylight time, a Pipistrel D O O Alpha Trainer, registration N246EA, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Wittman, Arizona. The two pilots on board received minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal operation under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilots, while cruising at an altitude of 6,500 ft mean sea level, the engine suddenly lost all power and the propeller ceased rotating. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful; the propeller did not rotate when the starter was engaged, and engine power could not be restored.
The pilots then prepared for a forced landing, steering the airplane toward an oval-shaped car test track. As they approached, they determined that the sloped surface of the test track was unsuitable for landing. They redirected the airplane toward flat desert terrain just north of the track.
During the landing, the nose landing gear dug into the dirt, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the empennage.
Investigation
The wreckage was retained for further examination.