Accident Details
On November 13, 2025, at approximately 1430 central standard time, a Cirrus SR22 airplane, registration N79EM, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Teague, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was being conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot's Report
The pilot stated that about 30 minutes into the flight from David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport in Houston, Texas, to Addison Airport in Addison, Texas, a loud bang was heard, followed by popping and scraping noises accompanied by a violent airframe shake. Simultaneously, oil was observed venting from the engine cowling, primarily around the oil door. The pilot diverted toward Teague Municipal Airport (68F) in Teague, Texas. During the diversion, the No. 2 cylinder head and exhaust gas temperatures became not visible, and the engine RPM indicated 0.
The pilot performed the forced landing checklist and determined that 68F was beyond the best glide range. He then selected a suitable field for deployment of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The CAPS deployed normally, and the airplane collided with a tree line during descent, resulting in substantial damage to the empennage and left wing.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the engine revealed several holes in the crankcase. The No. 1 and 2 cylinders, along with both magnetos, had separated from the engine. A review of the engine maintenance logbook indicated numerous maintenance actions for various oil leaks with the crankcase over the previous 12 calendar months. The airplane had received its airworthiness certificate in October 2023, and the engine had accumulated about 500 hours according to the tachometer. The engine was removed for further examination.