GIRARDEAU SAMUEL G Sonex-A
Martinsburg, WV, April 4, 2026
Event Information
| Date | April 4, 2026 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Martinsburg, WV |
| Country | USA |
| Airport | EASTERN WV RGNL/SHEPHERD FLD |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | ERA26LA162 |
| Event ID | 20260407202766 |
Aircraft
| Make | GIRARDEAU SAMUEL G |
| Model | Sonex-A |
| Registration # | N106D |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Full Narrative
On April 4, 2026, about 1339 eastern daylight time, a Girardeau Samuel G Sonex-A airplane, N106D, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Martinsburg, WV. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that 7 to 8 minutes after takeoff from Eastern WV Regional Airport (MRB), the engine exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) began to rise, while operating with a full rich mixture. When the EGTs continued to increase, he elected to return to the airport. Shortly thereafter, while returning to the airport, at about 2,500 ft altitude, the engine began to sputter and experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot declared an emergency with air traffic control. Unable to reach the airport, he conducted an emergency landing to an open field. After touchdown, he was unable to stop the airplane and subsequently impacted a fence and crossed a road before coming to rest against another fence. A metal fence post pierced the fuselage which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
The wreckage 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.