Pilot Debrief

ERIC VARGOSKO SW-51 near Iron Station, NC — 2026-04-10

Investigation ongoingERA26LA169
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Date
2026-04-10
Location
Iron Station, NC, USA
Airport
IPJ
Aircraft
ERIC VARGOSKO SW-51
Registration
N551EV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On April 10, 2026, about 1732 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur built SW-51 airplane, N551EV, sustained minor damage when it was involved in an accident near Iron Station, North Carolina. The front seat pilot sustained minor injuries, and the back seat pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The front seat pilot and owner reported that a new propeller had been installed on the airplane two days before the accident flight. The morning of the accident flight he was informed by the back seat pilot that flight testing with the new propeller had been accomplished. That afternoon they departed Gastonia Municipal Airport (AKH), Gastonia, North Carolina for a flight in the local area before landing at Lincoln County Regional Airport (IPJ), Lincolnton, North Carolina for fuel. He reported that they fully fueled the airplane and upon lifting off he noticed the ball in the slip/skid indicator was moving right and left. He informed the back seat pilot who took control of the airplane. The back seat pilot landed in an open field about 0.5 nautical miles from the departure end of runway 23 at IPJ. The airplane was retained for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (partial) · Takeoff
  • Loss of Thrust on Takeoff
View NTSB preliminary report

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