Amateur-built Patrol N240BP accident near Cottage Grove, Oregon

Preliminary information

On September 27, 2026, about 1202 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Patrol, N240BP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cottage Grove, Oregon. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb at an altitude of approximately 2,300 ft mean sea level (msl), he reduced the propeller speed from 2,650 rpm to 2,500 rpm. Immediately thereafter, he thought the engine had an uncontained failure and components had struck the windscreen, which obstructed his forward visibility. Using his view through the left side window, the pilot maneuvered toward a suitable off-airport landing area. During the descent, the stall warning horn activated, and the pilot lowered the airplane’s nose and continued the approach to a field. The airplane subsequently touched down on uneven grassy terrain and came to rest upright.

Post accident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage was substantially damaged. The engine cowling was displaced upward and aft, onto the windscreen. No visible holes were observed within the engine crankcase. The 2 bladed constant speed propeller remained attached to the engine crankshaft; however, one of the two blades was separated from the propeller hub and was not located at the accident site.

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

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA358 for the full record.