Video Showed The Airplane In A Left Turning Descent Before It Entered A Shallow Right Spiraling Descent

Location: Charlestown, NH Accident Number: ERA25LA265
Date & Time: July 13, 2025, 19:15 Local Registration: N4010E
Aircraft: Moyes Liteflite Pty Ltd C Dragonfly Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Glider tow

On July 13, 2025, about 1915 eastern daylight time, a Moyes Liteflite Model C Dragonfly airplane, N4010E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Charleston, New Hampshire. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 glider tow flight.

The pilot reported that the accident flight was his fifth tow flight of the day. There were no anomalies noted during preflight inspection or before the takeoff engine runup checks. The airplane departed with about 4-gallons of fuel onboard. After reaching an altitude of 3,500 ft, the glider released and the pilot reduced engine power to idle and entered a routine  spiraling descent to land. During the descent, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power which the pilot did not observe until he advanced the throttle, and the engine did not respond. 

A witness at the departure airport recorded a video of the airplane as it descended. The video showed the airplane in a left turning descent before it entered a shallow right spiraling descent. The airplane remained in the right turn until it impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest in an upright position in a grass field about one-half mile from the departure airport.

Postaccident examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the tubular structure of the fuselage exhibited deformation and fractures from impact forces. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit to all of the flight control surfaces. The engine remained attached to the fuselage and the throttle control cables remained attached and were continuous to the throttle control lever. The fuel tank contained about 2-gallons of fuel and the fuel filter was free of contamination.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov