Company Releases Statement About Fatal Accident Tuesday

Aero-News RealTime Update-1121 ET, 06.03.15

Sonex has released the following official statement related to Tuesday's fatal accident in Oshkosh, WI.

"It is with heavy hearts that we report the loss of two members of our Sonex family. Sonex Aircraft CEO Jeremy Monnett and Sonex assembly mechanic Mike Clark died yesterday in an accident involving Sonex Sport Acro N123SX at the East end of Wittman Regional Airport’s runway 9, which occurred on Tuesday, June 2nd at approximately 3:30pm. The cause of the accident remains unknown pending investigation by the FAA, NTSB and Sonex Aircraft.

"Sonex Aircraft founder John Monnett made a statement to staff this morning that Sonex Aircraft, LLC will continue to operate despite the holes left by Jeremy and Mike’s absence. It would unquestionably be Jeremy Monnett’s wish that the Sonex company and the worldwide community of Sonex and AeroConversions customers carry-on.

"Sonex Sport Acro N123SX first flew in 2007, and has most-recently been fitted with the 100 hp AeroVee Turbo. The engine had accumulated approximately 25 hours of operation in the Sonex Aircraft test cell as part of the AeroVee Turbo development program, and approximately 50 flight hours on N123SX after moving from the test cell to the Sport Acro airframe in the spring of 2014. The engine and airframe’s performance has been flawless in all respects, including recent long cross country flights to Florida for the Sebring and Sun ‘n Fun conventions, making its return trip to Oshkosh after Sun ‘n Fun 2015. Sonex Aircraft is hopeful the investigation of Tuesday’s accident will reveal conclusive findings regarding the cause, however, there are no immediate conclusions that can be drawn.

"The Monnett family and leadership of Sonex Aircraft, LLC sincerely thank the dedicated Sonex staff, community of customers, the aviation community at-large, and the Oshkosh community for all of the support and condolences offered over the past 24 hours."

N123SX Appears To Be A Company Aircraft

Aero-News RealTime Update-0112 ET, 06.03.15: ANN can now report that Sonex Aircraft CEO Jeremy Monnett, has been confirmed as lost in the crash of N123SX, identified in records as a 2007 Sonex SA. The other person onboard, also reported to have died in the accident, has yet to be officially identified and we will bring that info to you when able. Needless to say, this is a punch to the gut for the close-knit family of sportplane pilots and fans in Oshkosh and ANN sends it prayers and support to the Monnet family, everyone else at Sonex, and the extended family of Sonex builders and flyers all over the globe.

Original Story-1816 ET, 06.02.15: There is no way to sugar coat bad news and it appears that some really bad news is in the making.

ANN is monitoring reports of a company Sonex two place experimental aircraft that apparently went down at Wittman Field, Tuesday afternoon, impacting among the military vehicles at Oshkosh Corp. The accident occurred during what's been reported as a failed landing operation, at 1520 local time.

A number of local news reports are now reporting that the two persons aboard have perished and a reported eyewitness on Facebook claims that the aircraft went off the runway and impacted military vehicles manufactured and stored over at Oshkosh Corp, on the east side of Oshkosh's lengthy (8002') North-South runway, 18-36.

Pictures from the scene confirm that the heavily damaged aircraft is lying among the stored vehicles at Oshkosh Corp, and that the N number is N123SX, an aircraft that has been flying since July of 2007. This particular airframe is a Sonex SA, a "Sport Acro" bird refined for sport aerobatic handling and integrity.
 
ANN is monitoring reports and in contact with friends in the Oshkosh area... we'll keep you apprised as the situation becomes more clear.

FMI: http://www.sonexaircraft.com/