Accident Overview
On November 2, 2025, at approximately 1630 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Just Highlander airplane, registered as N622SC, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Delta, Colorado. The airplane was being operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Both the flight instructor and the student pilot, who was also the airplane owner, suffered serious injuries.
Flight Details
According to the flight instructor, the flight was intended as an introduction to tailwheel operations for the student pilot. After about an hour of performing maneuvers, the pair planned to return to the departure airport to practice landings. While maneuvering to enter the airport traffic pattern, the flight instructor noticed some engine roughness and diverted toward Westwinds Airport (D17) in Delta, Colorado.
Engine Malfunction and Forced Landing
The flight instructor reported that the engine instruments indicated normal readings, but the airplane was only producing partial power. The engine roughness persisted, and the propeller stopped turning, though the engine continued to operate with normal indications. The flight instructor observed fluid running along the left side of the airplane and prepared for a forced landing on rough terrain. The airplane impacted the ground and came to rest inverted against a ravine wall.
Post-Accident Actions
The airplane will be recovered to a secure location for future examination. No further details have been released regarding the cause of the engine malfunction or the fluid leak.