N15WJ

On August 31, 2025, about 1100 Pacific daylight time, an American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon 177, N3357T, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Jamesburg, California. The pilot and pilot rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that they were on a scenic flight, maneuvering over a canyon area between 1,500 to 2,000 ft above ground level (agl) with clear skies and no turbulence. With the pilot-rated passenger on the controls, she leveled off about 2,000 ft agl, and then commented that the airplane “wanted to keep descending.” As directed by the pilot, she advanced the throttle to full power, but the airplane continued to descend. She maintained the airplane’s heading while the pilot manipulated the throttle, but there was no response from the engine and the airplane continued to descend and lose airspeed. The pilot then initiated a precautionary landing onto rough terrain where the airplane struck a tree and came to rest on sloped terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage.

The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.