Experimental Bearhawk Four Overturns in Idaho Landing Accident

An experimental amateur-built Craig Ellison Bearhawk Four, registration N953CN, was substantially damaged during a landing accident at Olmstead Sky Ranch in Sandpoint, Idaho, on May 12, 2026. The National Transportation Safety Board reported the incident occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. PDT during the aircraft's second test flight.

The pilot reported that after touchdown, the right brake appeared to drag, causing the airplane to deviate progressively to the right. Despite corrective rudder and left-brake inputs, the tailwheel-equipped aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. The NTSB noted that the right brake remained locked after the aircraft came to rest and during recovery efforts.

The pilot was uninjured while a pilot-rated passenger sustained a minor injury. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, wing strut and rudder. The NTSB has retained the aircraft for further examination to determine the cause of the brake failure. The flight was operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.