Clapp Saberwing
Valdosta, GA — June 11, 2024
Event Information
| Date | June 11, 2024 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA24LA258 |
| Event ID | 20240613194462 |
| Location | Valdosta, GA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 30.76759, -83.30280 |
| Airport | VALDOSTA RGNL |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | Clapp |
| Model | Saberwing |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Full Narrative
On June 10, 2024, about 2008 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Clapp Saberwing airplane, N120SW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Valdosta, Georgia. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight test.
The pilot reported that he departed Valdosta Regional Airport (VLD), Valdosta, Georgia on a local flight to perform system checks of the airplane. During a functional check of the ignition system, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power about 8 miles southwest of VLD. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, the pilot declared an emergency and executed a forced landing to a field.
During the landing, the airplane impacted a utility line and came to rest inverted in a field about 2 miles from the airport. The right wing, fuselage, and empennage sustained substantial damage.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.