Pilot Debrief

NORTH AMERICAN NAVION near New Salem, MA — 2026-05-01

Investigation ongoingERA26LA198
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Date
2026-05-01
Location
New Salem, MA, USA
Airport
ORE
Aircraft
NORTH AMERICAN NAVION
Registration
N8618H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
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 May 1, 2026, about 1910 eastern daylight time, a North American Navion, N8618H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near New Salem, Massachusetts. The pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he conducted a routine preflight inspection, which included flight controls, oil level, and fuel sump checks. Following his inspection, he started the aircraft and taxied to the runway run-up area. The before takeoff checks were normal with no abnormalities observed before departure. After departure, the pilot climbed to 1,700 ft mean seal level and proceeded south toward Quabbin Reservoir. Upon reaching the reservoir, he turned north toward the airport. Shortly thereafter, while in straight and level flight, the engine lost all power. The pilot established best glide speed and attempted to restart the engine without success. Realizing he could not reach the airport, and considering the local roadway traffic, tree coverage, and powerlines, he decided, the safest option was to ditch the airplane in the reservoir. During the approach, the airplane struck trees before touching down on the surface of the water. The airplane subsequently began to sink, and the pilot egressed through the sliding canopy. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and wings. The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Enroute
  • Engine Failure Enroute
View NTSB preliminary report

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