N17GF

On November 20, 2024, about 1330 eastern standard time, an AMS Flight D O O Carat A motor glider, N17GF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Sunset Strip Airport (7GE5), Centralhatchee, Georgia. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The motor glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the motor glider departed with 13 gallons of fuel from Thomas Ridge Airport (3GA7), Rupert, Georgia, and was destined for Northeast Alabama Regional Airport (KGAD), Gadsden, Alabama. About 1 hour after departure, the pilot described that the engine experienced a partial loss of engine power and began to run rough. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power completely. The pilot’s attempt to restore power was unsuccessful and he performed a forced landing to 7GE5. During the landing, the motor glider landed hard and came to rest inverted.

Examination of the wreckage by the Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the motor glider’s engine was impact separated, and its cockpit area was fragmented. The wreckage was retained for further examination.