What happened
On October 6, 2025, at approximately 1415 EDT, a Pitts S-1C Special, registration C-FAZJ, was involved in an accident in Mount Washington, Kentucky. The aircraft was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
The flight originated from Bowman Field Airport in Louisville, Kentucky, at approximately 1400 EDT. The pilot was following a Cessna 140, operated by a family member, enroute to Middlesboro/Bell County Airport in Middlesboro, Kentucky. During the flight, the pilot applied power to the engine but observed no change in performance. After reducing power, the pilot noted that engine performance remained unchanged. The pilot then requested that the following aircraft declare a MAYDAY with air traffic control on his behalf due to engine issues.
As the aircraft descended, the pilot determined that the engine had lost all power and the propeller was windmilling. Following unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the pilot performed a forced landing in a narrow field. The aircraft impacted trees, causing substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and left wings. The pilot was not injured.