What happened
On November 2, 2025, at approximately 16:30 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Just Highlander, registration N622SC, was involved in an accident near Delta, Colorado. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for instructional purposes, with a flight instructor and a student pilot on board.
The flight was intended to introduce the student pilot to tailwheel operations. After approximately one hour of maneuvers, the crew planned to return to the departure airport to practice landings. While maneuvering to enter the airport traffic pattern, the flight instructor observed engine roughness. Although engine instruments showed normal readings, the aircraft was only producing partial power. The roughness persisted, and the propeller stopped rotating, though the engine continued to run with normal indications. After noticing fluid running along the left side of the aircraft, the instructor prepared for a forced landing on rough terrain. The aircraft impacted the ground and came to rest inverted against a ravine wall.
There were 2 serious injuries resulting from the accident; there were 0 fatalities.