D-EHVM Beechcraft B36TC Bonanza Aviation Accident 2025-05-31
FATAL ACCIDENT (1) - Privately Owned Zenair STOL CH 701, N514JG, near Geneva, OH, May 25, 2025.
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Accident Information
| Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fat. | Aircraft Inj. | Ground Fat. | Ground Inj. | ASN Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41°46'0.38"N, 80°54'13.14"W | 1 | 1 - severe | 0 | 0 | Aviation Safety Network |
Aircraft Information
| Type | Operator | Registration | Serial Number | Manufacture Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zenair STOL CH 701 | Private | N514JG | 5144 | Built 2003 Lic. 2007 |
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The Ohio State Highway Patrol is on the scene of a plane crash in Ashtabula County Sunday morning.
MORE: https://t.co/UIaPSzEYkR pic.twitter.com/xDmi02ASHR— Cleveland 19 News (@cleveland19news) May 25, 2025
ASX Accident Report
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at approximately 10:11 a.m. local time, a Zenair STOL CH 701 aircraft, registration N514JG, crashed near State Route 307 in Harpersville Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio. The aircraft had departed for a local private flight, though the specific origin and destination remain unconfirmed. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) responded to reports of a plane down near Geneva, close to Germack Airport. Upon arrival, they discovered the aircraft on fire. Witness accounts indicate the aircraft struck a tree before coming to rest in a residential yard. One occupant was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other sustained severe burn injuries and was hospitalized. The names of the occupants were withheld pending notification of family.
The aircraft involved was an experimental Zenair STOL CH 701, a two-seat, high-wing kit plane built in 2003 and licensed airworthy in 2007 by private owner John Griggs. This aircraft is commonly categorized under the Light Sport Aircraft or amateur-built classifications in the United States. Designed by aeronautical engineer Chris Heintz, the CH 701 is optimized for Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) performance and is noted for its high-lift wing, full-span leading-edge slots, large tires, flaperons, and all-metal construction. It is often chosen by pilots operating in rural or off-runway environments and is capable of handling rugged conditions. This CH 701 twas equipped with a Continental C-85 engine.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has assumed control of the investigation along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft appeared to enter a low-altitude flight profile before impact. Preliminary findings indicate that the plane clipped tree branches before crashing and igniting. One witness reported seeing flames rising from the treetops immediately before observing the wreckage. A surviving occupant was reportedly able to exit the burning aircraft and was later found disoriented and severely injured. While weather conditions in the region at the time were considered benign, the NTSB has begun a full analysis of meteorological data, aircraft maintenance records, and potential human factors.
As the investigation continues, federal authorities will review available ADS-B data, pilot qualifications, aircraft construction history, and any electronic equipment recovered from the scene. The experimental classification of the CH 701 implies that it may not have undergone standardized manufacturing certification, making individual build quality and maintenance history important investigative factors. No preliminary cause has been issued, and the NTSB emphasized that no determination would be made until all evidence is analyzed in accordance with agency protocols.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Sources and References
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