What happened
On November 26, 2025, a Gray RG12, registration C-FGEW, was conducting a Part 91 ferry flight from Dowagiac Municipal Airport to a new owner when the aircraft encountered severe aerodynamic instability. Approximately 10 minutes after departure, the aircraft began experiencing intense airframe vibration and flutter. This vibration increased rapidly and persisted despite the pilot adjusting engine power and airspeed. During the event, the ailerons reached their mechanical stops, the horizontal stabilizer moved vigorously, and the control stick moved across its full range of travel.
In response to the control issues, the pilot initially considered landing at Southwest Lakes Airpark in Sawyer, Michigan, but determined the single turf runway was unsafe. The pilot instead diverted to Southwest Michigan Regional Airport in Benton Harbor, Michigan. At the time of the landing attempt on runway 28, the weather was VMC with winds from 240 degrees at 27 knots gusting to 43 knots. The pilot reported being unable to obtain updated wind information via handheld radio because they were preoccupied with managing the aircraft's control difficulties.
During the landing, the aircraft touched down on its main landing gear. While the pilot used full control inputs to combat wind effects, the airplane veered to the right during the landing roll. The right wing contacted the runway, causing the aircraft to nose over. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries and 0 fatalities. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, specifically to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the C-FGEW revealed that the right wing drag and anti-drag wires were attached but were found to be loose. Investigators confirmed that flight control continuity was maintained to all flight controls.