Aero-News has learned from Excel-Jet representatives that the flight test prototype of the Excel-Jet Sport Jet was "extensively" damaged during a takeoff accident in Colorado Springs, Co, at or about 1200 EST. Complete details remain elusive, but one report indicates that a wingtip contacted the ground during the takeoff roll, initiating a series of events which culminated in the accident.

Two persons were on board, one having been confirmed as test pilot James Stewart and the other is, as yet, unidentified. Both occupants survived the accident and were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Sport-Jet is a single engine personal jet aircraft aimed at the general aviation pilot. Sport-Jet has been designed for single-person operation by a pilot trained in piston-powered airplanes. Many advanced features and a simplified design ease pilot workload.

Excel-Jet reports the four-seat Sport-Jet will sell for about $1 million, and fly more than 900 nautical miles with a full load. ANN will have more information on this accident shortly.

FMI: www.sport-jet.com