Accident Number: ERA21LA166
Date & Time: March 30, 2021, 11:05 Local
Registration: N236X
Aircraft: JABIRU USA SPORT AIRCRAFT J250-SP
Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On March 30, 2021, about 1105 eastern daylight time, a Jabiru USA Sport Aircraft J250-SP, N236X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fort Pierce, Florida. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the pilot, the airplane was in cruise flight when the engine began to experience “hiccups.” He switched fuel tanks and turned on the electric fuel pump, but engine issues continued. The pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing to a field road. As the airplane approached the road, the pilot maneuvered to avoid large trees; however, during the subsequent landing the left wing stuck tree branches, the airplane spun around and came to rest in a tidal canal.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site, the airplane’s left wing was mostly separated, and the entire airplane was submerged.
The airplane and engine were recovered for further examination.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: JABIRU USA SPORT AIRCRAFT
Registration: N236X
Model/Series: J250-SP
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Operator Designator Code:
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: VMC
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: FPR,24 ft msl
Observation Time: 10:53 Local
Distance from Accident Site: 9 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /19°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Few / 2700 ft AGL
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 15 knots / , 130°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility: 10 miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.2 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed:
Departure Point:
Destination:
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 Serious
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious
Latitude, Longitude: 27.494306,-80.53901
