N126BF

Substantial
None

Pipistrel Virus 912S/N: 180VTL9120905KIT49

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
NTSB Number
LAX08CA208
Location
Bend, OR
Event ID
20080916X01475
Coordinates
44.094444, -121.200279
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare, inadequate bounced landing recovery, and his failure to maintain directional control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPISTREL
Serial Number
180VTL9120905KIT49
Engine Type
4-cycle
Year Built
2005
Model / ICAO
Virus 912PIVI
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
VIRUS 912

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MCELRATH HUGH D
Address
5708 39TH AVE
City
HYATTSVILLE
State / Zip Code
MD 20781-1715
Country
United States

Analysis

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was performing an approach to the destination airport in his powered glider. The aircraft touched down and bounced. It began to veer to the right of the runway centerline. The aircraft then unexpectedly swerved to the left and the pilot could not regain control. The aircraft continued off the runway surface and down an embankment. The main landing gear encountered soft terrain and the aircraft nosed over.

The pilot spoke with a National Transportation Safety investigator immediately following the accident. He stated that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine. He noted that winds were calm. When queried as to the cause of the accident, the pilot opined that the aircraft had "too much energy" during the landing sequence.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX08CA208