About 3,000 Ft Above Ground Level, Flames Appeared From The Right Side Of The Engine Cowling

Location: West Wendover, NV Accident Number: WPR25LA025
Date & Time: October 27, 2024, 09:15 Local Registration: N510DH
Aircraft: Badlands Vaquero Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 27, 2024, about 0915 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Badlands Vaquero airplane, N510DH, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near West Wendover, Nevada. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that during cruise flight, about 3,000 ft above ground level, flames appeared from the right side of the engine cowling. The pilot shut the fuel and the engine off, initiated an emergency descent, and initiated a forced landing on an interstate service road. After he landed, the pilot evacuated the airplane, and the fire continued, which consumed a large portion of the airplane.

The wreckage was recovered and will be examined at a later date.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov