Monday the 5th of October, 2026

NTSB Final Report: XAG P150 MAX

The Pilot’s Failure To Maintain Control Of The Uas During Takeoff

Location: Wolcott, Indiana                            Accident Number: CEN26LA245
Date & Time: July 2, 2026, 08:12 Local        Registration: None
Aircraft: XAG P150 MAX                               Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control in flight     Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

Analysis: The pilot/operator commanded the takeoff sequence on the agricultural unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and the UAS climbed to about 15 ft above its launch rig. Hearing an abnormal “popping” noise coming from the UAS, the pilot initiated the automated landing sequence and the UAS descended to about 2 ft above the rig and about 4 to 5 ft from the operator’s station.

The pilot lost control of the UAS as it moved towards his position causing the pilot to duck behind the operator’s barrier. When he ducked, the UAS’s right-rear propeller struck his left hand resulting in a serious injury. The UAS descended and crashed into terrain resulting in substantial damage to the right-rear arm and propeller.

The operator sent the UAS on-board data to the manufacturer for decoding. The manufacturer’s report found that about 1 second after the UAS started up, a joystick input was received which paused the UAS’s takeoff. A couple seconds later, additional control inputs were recorded and the UAS responded accordingly.

The data found no mechanical malfunction or failure with all engine parameters in the normal range.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the UAS during takeoff.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

 

 

NTSB Final Report: Piper PA-30

Pilot’s Failure To Verify The Airplane’s Fuel Quantity Before Departure

Location: Meridian, Mississippi                       Accident Number: CEN26LA225
Date & Time: June 14, 2026, 19:50 Local      Registration: N8143Y
Aircraft: Piper PA-30                                       Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Fuel exhaustion                    Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot instructed the fixed base operator line crew to top off the main tanks and fill the auxiliary tanks to ½ inch gap from the top of the tank. The pilot reported that he did not open the fuel caps to verify the fuel level.

The flight departed with the pilot believing that sufficient fuel was onboard to complete the flight with an adequate reserve. Near the destination airport, the left engine began surging and subsequently lost power. The pilot's attempts to restore engine power, including the use of the auxiliary fuel tanks and electric fuel pump, were unsuccessful. Shortly thereafter, the right engine also began surging and lost power.

After determining that the airplane could not reach the destination airport, the pilot conducted a forced landing to a pasture. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the empennage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of either engine.

In the accident report the pilot emphasized the importance of physically verifying fuel quantity before each flight, and reliance solely on assumptions regarding fuel quantity may increase the risk of fuel-related incidents.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The total loss of power to both engines due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to verify the airplane’s fuel quantity before departure.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov

 

 

NTSB Final Report: Rotec Engineering Rally 3

The Pilot Thought The Airplane Operated Under Title 14 Code Of Federal Regulations Part 103 As An Ultralight, However The Airplane Carried More Than One Person

Location: Hooker, Oklahoma                             Accident Number: CEN26LA246
Date & Time: July 7, 2026, 07:00                      Local Registration: UNREG
Aircraft: Rotec Engineering Rally 3                   Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of engine power (total)    Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal      

Analysis: The accident flight was the non-certificated pilot's first flight in the unregistered airplane since he had overhauled the experimental engine. The pilot, who was also not certificated as a mechanic, performed the engine overhaul and subsequently conducted more than 5 hours of engine ground runs.

During the initial climb after takeoff, the pilot observed an exhaust gas temperature of about 1,200°F. In response, he reduced engine power and initiated a right turn with the intention of reentering the airport traffic pattern. At about 150 ft above ground level, the engine seized and experienced a total loss of power.

The pilot conducted a forced landing straight ahead to a plowed field. During the landing roll, the main landing gear dug into the soft terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The empennage subsequently separated from the fuselage resulting in substantial damage. Following the accident, the pilot removed the wreckage from the accident site and disposed of it before the airframe and engine could be examined by investigators. The pilot did not possess a current FAA medical certificate.

The pilot thought the airplane operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 103 as an ultralight, however the airplane carried more than one person.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The total loss of engine power due to an engine seizure for undetermined reasons because the wreckage was disposed of before it could be examined.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov