Preliminary information
On January 5, 2026, about 1545 central standard time, an amateur-built (Scalewings) SW-51 Mustang, N351MT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fredericksburg, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 flight test flight.
The pilot reported that the accident flight was the first flight of the recently completed amateur-built airplane. He said that during initial climb after takeoff rotation the airplane’s engine lost power and he attempted to land the airplane on the remaining runway. During the landing the airplane’s left main landing gear was pushed through the top skin of the wing resulting in substantial damage.
The airplane was retained for further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA079 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 5, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Gillespie County (T82)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SW-51 MUSTANG
- N-number
- N351MT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.