What happened
On October 20, 2025, at approximately 16:03 PDT, a Rutan Long-EZ, registration N8183K, was involved in an accident in Long Beach, California. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
The pilot had departed French Valley Airport (F70) in Murrieta/Temecula, California, as part of a two-airplane formation, with the intention of landing at Compton/Woodley Airport (CPM). While flying near the Corona area, the pilot observed the fuel flow decrease from 7 gallons per hour to 5 gallons per hour. As the aircraft approached Fullerton, the fuel flow dropped further to 3 gallons to per hour. Although the engine initially continued to run smoothly, the engine power eventually decreased to idle and then suffered a total loss of engine power.
In response to the power loss, the pilot attempted several engine restarts, switched fuel tanks, activated the electric boost pump, and enriched the mixture. The pilot then diverted to Long Beach Airport/Daughtery Field (LGB). While maintaining best glide airspeed, the pilot determined the aircraft could reach the airport and initiated a forced landing into a nearby park. During the landing, the aircraft struck a pedestrian.
The accident resulted in one serious injury to the pilot and one serious injury to the pedestrian on the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.