Accident Details
On September 28, 2025, at 1126 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Searey (registration N2090S) was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Stump Pass, Florida. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
The pilot reported a normal preflight, taxi, and takeoff from Manatee Airport in Palmetto, Florida. After departing, he flew for about an hour and a half in the local area. While flying north along the beach at approximately 300 ft above ground level, the engine RPM dropped to about idle. The pilot pushed the nose down, advanced the throttle to maximum, and activated the second fuel boost pump, but there was no change in RPM; the engine continued to operate at idle.
Forced Landing
Determining that he could not reach an airport, the pilot executed a forced landing in choppy water. During the landing, the airplane's nose struck a wave. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was retained for further examination to determine the cause of the power loss.