Searsmont, ME, USA
N35WT
THOMAS WAYNE L THOMAS' FLYER
On August 13, 2022, about 1400 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Thomas’ Flyer, N35WT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Ridgeview Airport (12ME), Searsmont, Maine. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, this was the first flight of the airplane after “sitting for two years.” A mechanic had just signed off the condition inspection and the pilot said he was “taking it up for a test flight.” After making several run ups of the engine, the pilot taxied to the active runway. During the climb out, the engine “sputtered” twice and then completely “quit.” The pilot said he did not have enough airspeed and altitude to turn back to the runway. He made an emergency landing on rough terrain at the departure end of the runway. The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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