Preliminary information
On October 27, 2024, about 0915 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Vaquero airplane, N510DH, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near West Wendover, Nevada. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that during cruise flight, about 3,000 ft above ground level, flames appeared from the right side of the engine cowling. The pilot shut the fuel and the engine off, initiated an emergency descent, and initiated a forced landing on an interstate service road. After he landed, the pilot evacuated the airplane, and the fire continued, which consumed a large portion of the airplane.
The wreckage was recovered and will be examined at a later date.
Figure 1. Accident Airplane (Courtesy of Nevada State Troopers)
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA025 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 27, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- West Wendover, Nevada
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Vaquero
- N-number
- N510DH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2024
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.