What happened
On September 28, 2025, an experimental, amateur-built Searey aircraft, registration N2090S, was involved in an accident near Stump Pass, Florida. The flight, operated under 14 CFR Part 91, began at Manatee Airport in Palmetto, Florida.
The pilot reported that the preflight, taxi, and takeoff procedures were completed normally. After approximately 90 minutes of flight in the local area, the pilot was flying north along the coastline at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level when the engine RPM dropped to idle.
In an attempt to recover power, the pilot pushed the nose down, applied maximum throttle, and activated the second fuel boost pump. However, the engine continued to operate at idle. Realizing the aircraft could not return to an airport, the pilot performed a forced landing in choppy water. During the impact, the aircraft's nose struck a wave. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and there were no fatalities.
The investigation
A post-accident examination determined that the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the horizontal stabilizer. The wreckage was retained for further examination.