What happened
On November 13, 2025, at 19:49 EST, an experimental amateur-built Lancair IV-P with registration N163BR was involved in an accident near Savannah, Georgia. The flight was being operated as a Part 91 business flight. Prior to the accident, the pilot had completed three other flights that day, traveling from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts, then to New York, and finally to Wallace, North Carolina.
The fourth flight departed Wallace-Pender Airport (ACZ) at 18:43, destined for Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). While cruising at 16,500 feet MSL, the pilot reported a loud explosion and sparks emitting from the engine, followed by a loss of engine power, though the engine continued to provide idle power. After declaring an emergency and diverting toward Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), the pilot observed sparks flying from the exhaust manifold accompanied by loud grinding noises.
The pilot performed a precautionary engine shutdown. Following the shutdown, the pilot noted a significant increase in drag. After determining that the aircraft could not reach Hunter Army Airfield (SVN), the pilot maneuvered the aircraft toward a dark, unpopulated area and deployed the ballistic parachute. The aircraft touched down on a golf course approximately five to seven seconds after deployment. The pilot and passenger were not injured.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage at the site and found metal shards and oil inside the engine's exhaust pipes. The inspection of the engine enclosure revealed punctures and impressions, which were consistent with material being ejected from the engine. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage, and smoke was observed coming from the engine after the occupants exited the aircraft.