Sonex Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing Near Martinsburg After Engine Trouble

Emergency Landing After Engine Trouble

A Sonex-A airplane, registration N106D, was substantially damaged during an emergency landing near Martinsburg, West Virginia, on April 4, 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the incident occurred about 1:39 p.m. EDT during a personal flight operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The pilot reported experiencing rising exhaust gas temperatures seven to eight minutes after departing Eastern WV Regional Airport. Upon returning to the airport area, the engine sputtered at approximately 2,500 feet, prompting an emergency declaration and a forced landing in an open field. The aircraft subsequently struck a fence and road barrier, resulting in a fence post piercing the fuselage.

Neither the pilot nor the passenger reported injuries following the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board has retained the wreckage for further examination. Authorities have not yet determined the probable cause of the engine performance issues.