N7NL – DOWNER 14-19-3 – 2026-05-16 NTSB Accident Report

On May 16, 2026, about 0010 central daylight time, a Downer 14-19-3 airplane, N7NL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Forney, Texas. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. A second passenger initially survived the accident but died 13 days later from injuries sustained in the accident. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight.

The pilot was diverting to an alternate airport due to gusty wind conditions when the engine began to run rough. The pilot could not maintain altitude and ultimately executed a forced landing in an open construction area. The airplane nosed over during the landing. The airplane sustained damage to the fuselage, both wings, empennage, and firewall forward resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.

The airplane was recovered for further examination.