(Pilot) Was Headed Home When The Engine Popped And Started To Vibrate. He Continued To Run The Engine At Reduced Power

Location: Blackfoot, ID Accident Number: WPR25LA210
Date & Time: July 12, 2025, 20:15 Local Registration: N69TY
Aircraft: Hibbard Rick RANS S7 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 12, 2025, about 2015 mountain daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Rans S7 airplane, N69TY, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Blackfoot, Idaho. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that after flying for about 45 minutes and completing a 75-mile loop covering his farm property, he was headed home when the engine popped and started to vibrate. He continued to run the engine at reduced power and subsequently observed the oil pressure drop to 0 psi at which time the engine stopped producing power. He initiated a forced landing to a wheat field. During landing the airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the rudder.

During the recovery of the airplane the lower fuselage was covered in oil and the engine crankcase and one of the engines cylinders were damaged.

The pilot reported that at the time of the accident the engine had accrued about 959 hours of operation and 13 hours since the last inspection on March 8, 2025.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination

FMI: www.ntsb.gov