While Flying North Along The Beach At About 300 Ft Above Ground Level, The Pilot Reported That The Engine RPM Dropped To About Idle

Location: Rotonda West, FL Accident Number: ERA25LA368
Date & Time: September 28, 2025, 11:26 Local Registration: N2090S
Aircraft: Elmore Travis C Searey Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 28, 2025, at 1126 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Searey, N2090S, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Stump Pass, Florida. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the preflight, taxi, and takeoff were all normal with no observed anomalies. After departing from Manatee Airport, Palmetto, Florida, the pilot stated he flew for about an hour and a half in the local area. While flying north along the beach at about 300 ft above ground level, the pilot reported that the engine RPM dropped to about idle. The pilot pushed the nose down, pushed the throttle to maximum, and turned on the second fuel boost pump. The pilot reported there was no change in RPM and the engine continued to operate at idle. The pilot determined he would be unable to make it back to an airport and so he performed a forced landing in choppy water. During the landing, the airplane’s nose impacted a wave. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and to the horizontal stabilizer.

The wreckage was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov