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NTSB Report
February 1, 2025 · Rutan Long-Ez · N88LE
Sparta, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sparta, IL
Aircraft
Rutan Long-Ez (1986)
Tail Number
N88LE
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN25LA090
The pilot reported that he taxied to the runway and performed an engine runup. During the runup, the pilot noticed that one of the magnetos was not operating properly, so he started to taxi back to his hangar. While taxing back to the hangar, he smelled burning wire insulation, and shortly after the engine stopped. He attempted to restart the engine three times. On the third restart attempt, he noticed that flames were coming out from the right wing near the fuel cap. He immediately exited the airplane and called the fire department. The airplane was destroyed by the fire. Due to the damage caused by the fire, an examination of the airplane components to determine the source of the fire was not possible.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft structures-(general)-(general)-Malfunction
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he taxied to the runway and performed an engine runup. During the runup, the pilot noticed that one of the magnetos was not operating properly, so he started to taxi back to his hangar. While taxing back to the hangar, he smelled burning wire insulation, and shortly after the engine stopped. He attempted to restart the engine three times. On the third restart attempt, he noticed that flames were coming out from the right wing near the fuel cap. He immediately exited the airplane and called the fire department. The airplane was destroyed by the fire. Due to the damage caused by the fire, an examination of the airplane components to determine the source of the fire was not possible.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 CST
Nearest AirportSparta Community Airport - Hun (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRutan Long-Ez
Tail NumberN88LE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235L2C · Reciprocating · 118
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 74 · Basc · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 9 kt
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 F / 36 F
Altimeter30.22 inHg
Observation Time13:55
Weather SourceWFAC