Pilot Debrief

Jernigan Zenith 750 near Greenville, SC — 2025-05-18

Investigation ongoingERA25LA214
Sign in to save
Date
2025-05-18
Location
Greenville, SC, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
Jernigan Zenith 750
Registration
N864AJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
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 18, 2025, about 1416 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Zenith 750, N864AJ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Greenville, South Carolina. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14?Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that the airplane’s condition inspection had just been completed. He subsequently removed the engine cowling and performed two separate 5-minute engine runs, and a third engine run that was 7 minutes in duration. After each engine-run the pilot secured the engine and then checked from the firewall forward to confirm that there was no engine oil leakage. He then performed a complete preflight inspection of the airplane noting the oil capacity was 3.5 quarts (normal). After departure the pilot proceeded in a westerly direction and during cruise flight at 2,200 ft mean sea level (1,200 ft above ground level) with the engine operating about 2,400 rpm, he heard an aural annunciation of “oil pressure” twice from the on-board avionics. The pilot increased engine speed about 100 rpm and noted that the oil pressure reading on the multi-function display was 28 psi. The engine was developing partial power, and the pilot pitched the airplane for best glide airspeed; however, he was too far to reach his intended airport. The pilot maneuvered toward a forced landing area in a residential development; however, on final approach he realized the terrain was not smooth. When he flared for landing, the main landing gear impacted the top of a very steep incline and separated. The airplane then rolled between 10 and 15 ft and nosed over. The airplane was recovered for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

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

Related mishaps