Event CEN26LA032

Factual narrative

On November 2, 2025, about 1630 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Just Highlander airplane, N622SC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Delta, Colorado. The flight instructor and student pilot were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. According to the flight instructor, the purpose of the flight was an introduction to tailwheel operations for the student pilot, who was also the airplane owner. The flight instructor stated that after about an hour of performing maneuvers, they were planning to return to the departure airport to practice landings. While maneuvering to enter the airport traffic pattern, the flight instructor noticed some engine roughness and diverted toward Westwinds Airport (D17), Delta, Colorado. The flight instructor stated that the engine instruments indicated normal readings, however the airplane was only producing partial power. The engine roughness continued, and the propeller stopped turning but the engine continued to operate with normal indications. The flight instructor noticed fluid running along the left side of the airplane and prepared for a forced landing on rough terrain. The airplane impacted the ground and came to rest inverted against a ravine wall. The airplane will be recovered to a secure location for future examination. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12