N117RF Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. LAKE LA-4-200 accident

On October 19, 2026, about 1703 central daylight time, a Consolidated Aeronautics Inc., Lake LA-4-200 airplane, N117RF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Springfield, Missouri. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the airplane had been fueled about 30 minutes before he attempted to start the engine. He stated that when he engaged the engine starter, they heard and felt a large explosion from behind them. After several seconds, while shutting down the engine and airplane, they noticed dust and debris floating around them along with smoke. The pilot-rated-passenger also stated that their clothing was torn from the explosion. Video surveillance footage recorded shortly after the explosion showed light grey smoke emanating from the fuselage and both the pilot and pilot-rated-passenger were already outside of the airplane. The explosion and a subsequent interior fire resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.

Witnesses inside the nearby fixed base operator facility stated that the explosion rattled the building windows from about 300 ft away and was louder than a typical engine exhaust backfire.

Postaccident examination of the fuselage hull revealed thermal damage to the interior structure of the lower right rear of the fuselage hull along with several burned electrical wiring bundles. Additional damage to the empennage hull and skin was observed with the skin being pillowed outward which was consistent with an overpressure event. The airplane was retained for further examination.