Fatal Accident (1) – Van’s RV-7, N902T, near Matheson, CO, March 1, 2025
ASX Investigation | ||||
On March 1, 2025, at approximately 12:09 PM local time, a Van’s RV-7 experimental aircraft, registered as N902T, crashed in a pasture about 12 miles southeast of Matheson, Colorado. The aircraft was privately owned and operated, with the sole occupant being the pilot, who did not survive the crash. The flight originated from Lamar Field, Colorado, and was en route to Denver-Colorado Air and Space Port. The Elbert County Sheriff’s Office received reports from a witness who heard the aircraft overhead followed by a loud impact, prompting emergency response. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Van’s RV-7 is a two-seat, low-wing homebuilt aircraft designed for high-performance recreational flying. It is known for its maneuverability, lightweight construction, and relatively high cruising speed. First introduced in 2001 as a successor to the RV-6, the RV-7 features a more refined aerodynamic design and an improved structural layout. The specific aircraft involved in the crash was built from a kit and first registered in 2016. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,800 pounds and a cruising speed of 207 mph, the RV-7 is commonly flown by private pilots for cross-country and sport flying. The aircraft’s builder and pilot, whose identity has not been released, had been operating the aircraft under private flight rules at the time of the accident. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft was in the en route phase of flight when it went down, indicating that potential contributing factors could include mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, or pilot incapacitation. The NTSB has dispatched a Texas-based investigator to the scene to analyze wreckage patterns, flight data, and radio communications. The investigation will focus on three primary aspects: the pilot’s qualifications and medical history, the aircraft’s structural integrity and maintenance records, and the environmental and operational conditions at the time of the incident. The wreckage was found with substantial structural damage consistent with a high-impact collision. No distress call was recorded prior to the accident, and there were no immediate indications of in-flight fire or explosion. Meteorological conditions at the time were being reviewed to determine if turbulence, icing, or wind shear may have contributed to the loss of control. Additionally, FAA records will be examined to confirm whether any recent airworthiness directives or safety bulletins were applicable to this specific aircraft. Witness accounts and any available surveillance or flight tracking data will also play a role in reconstructing the aircraft’s final moments. The crash site was secured by local law enforcement and emergency personnel while investigators collected evidence and documented the scene. The aircraft’s components, including the engine, avionics, and control surfaces, will undergo forensic analysis to detect any signs of mechanical failure. Given the experimental nature of the aircraft, particular attention will be paid to whether any non-standard modifications had been made that could have impacted its performance. The NTSB has requested that anyone with additional information, including eyewitnesses or individuals with video footage, contact their investigative team to aid in the reconstruction of events. | ||||
Accident Information | ||||
Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fatalities 1 | Ground Fatalities 0 | Injured 0 |  |
Aircraft Information | ||||
Aircraft Type | Operator Private | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture date 2016 |
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Miscellaneous | ||||
 | Additional | Official Preliminary Report | Official Final Report | |