N345LA

On August 18, 2025, about 2133 central daylight time, a Lancair NLA-275-FR-C airplane, N345LA, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Bradley, Arkansas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

A preliminary review of ADS-B data showed the airplane departed Lakeway Airpark, Lakeway, Texas, about 2011. The airplane then proceeded on a predominant northeast course. At 2018, the airplane reached an altitude of about 10,000 ft mean sea level (msl). After about 50 minutes, the airplane began a climb to an altitude of about 12,175 ft msl. After about 18 minutes, the airplane climbed to maximum altitude of about 14,125 ft msl, followed by a descent to about 12,375 ft msl.

The airplane then began a climb from 12,375 ft msl to 12,675 ft msl, followed by a descent. About 2132 and at 11,800 ft msl, the airplane began a rapid right spiraling descent. Near the end of the descent, the data indicated that the airplane made a momentary level off and climb before a descending left turn into terrain (see figure 1).

Figure 1. Profile view of the final flight segment

The main wreckage of the airplane was located in wooded terrain. The initial impact point was a pine tree about 200 ft from the main wreckage. The path from the initial impact point to the main wreckage was on a true heading of 066°. The debris field from the initial impact point to the main wreckage contained fragments of the right wing.

The main wreckage was oriented with the airframe upright and the engine was inverted with a final heading of 180°. The airplane was destroyed by the impact sequence and the postimpact fire.

The wreckage was recovered from the accident site and was transported to a secure location for future examination.