CEN26LA285

On August 12, 2026, about 1906 eastern daylight time, a Staudacher ZZ 102 experimental airplane, N134ZZ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Vicksburg, Michigan. The airline transport pilot and one passenger were seriously injured. The flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Preliminary information provided by law enforcement indicated the airplane departed from Thrall Lake Airport (7MI3), Vicksburg, Michigan, and climbed to about 1,500 ft when it descended and impacted terrain. Both occupants were airlifted to hospitals, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. According to the FAA aircraft records, the airplane was likely a unique build with only the accident airplane currently registered. The airplane was built in 2007 and purchased by the pilot in October 2021. According to a Barnstormers Facebook listing, dated November 8, 2025, the airplane had 210 hours total time, and the engine had 210 hours since major overhaul. Postaccident examination by FAA inspectors revealed the presence of fuel in both fuel tanks. However, when draining fuel from the fuel tanks, an orange substance was found in the fuel line. The airplane was retained for further examination.