Accident Details
On November 13, 2025, at 1949 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur-built Lancair IV-P, registration N163BR, was substantially damaged in an accident near Savannah, Georgia. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight.
Flight History
Prior to the accident flight, the pilot completed three flights in the same airplane that day. The first leg departed Beaver County Airport (BVI), Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, at 0814, destined for Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD), Norwood, Massachusetts, to pick up a relative. From OWD, the pilot flew to Republic Airport (FRG), Farmingdale, New York. The third flight was from FRG to Wallace-Pender Airport (ACZ), Wallace, North Carolina, for a planned fuel stop. The fourth and final flight departed ACZ at 1843 with an intended destination of Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Sarasota, Florida.
Inflight Engine Failure
While cruising at 16,500 ft mean sea level with an interstage turbine temperature (ITT) of about 688°C, the pilot reported a “loud boom/explosion from the engine with sparks flying” and a loss of engine power. The engine continued to provide idle power. The pilot declared an emergency with air traffic control and diverted to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Soon after, he observed “sparks started flying out of the exhaust manifold, along with loud grinding noises” and performed a precautionary engine shutdown.
Emergency Descent and Parachute Deployment
After shutdown, the pilot noted a considerable increase in drag. He adjusted the pitch attitude for best glide speed and diverted to Hunter Army Airfield (SVN), which was closer than SAV. Realizing he could not glide to SVN, he maneuvered to a dark area expecting it to be unpopulated and deployed the airplane’s ballistic parachute. About 5 to 7 seconds after deployment, the airplane touched down on a golf course. After exiting, the pilot saw smoke coming from the engine.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site. Metal shards and oil were found in the engine’s exhaust pipes, and the fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage. After removing the engine cowling, punctures and impressions were observed in the engine enclosure, consistent with material being ejected from inside the engine. The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.