Summary
On July 01, 2008, a Pipistrel Virus 912 (N126BF) was involved in an incident near Bend, OR. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper flare, inadequate bounced landing recovery, and his failure to maintain directional control.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX08CA208. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N126BF.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper flare, inadequate bounced landing recovery, and his failure to maintain directional control.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
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