REPUBLIC RC-3

Full Narrative

On April 12, 2026, about 1423 mountain standard time, a Republic RC-3 airplane, N6518K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The amphibious airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that he departed Hangar Haciendas Airport (AZ90) Laveen, Arizona with two passengers onboard for a local flight. While enroute at an altitude of about 2,500 mean sea level, travelling toward Camelback Mountain, the propeller rpm began to overspeed. The pilot attempted to lower the propeller rpm, but the engine and propeller did not respond. Shortly after, smoke was observed coming out of the left side of the engine cowling and the engine lost all power. The pilot executed a gear-up forced landing on a road, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage keel hull underside. During the landing sequence, the left wing contacted a water backflow valve, damaging the leading edge of the left wing and the left wing sponson.
Postaccident examination revealed the engine’s right-side exhaust tail pipe had separated from the exhaust manifold. The examination also found thermal damage and fractures to an aluminum panel, the air intake ducting for the carburetor, the fuel delivery line to the carburetor, and electrical wiring including both magneto P-leads.
The airplane was retained for further examination.