N9013H

Substantial
None

PIPISTREL SINUS 912S/N: 088S9120103

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, October 16, 2011
NTSB Number
CEN12CA038
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Event ID
20111020X64425
Coordinates
40.030555, -86.251388
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the motor-glider while landing in gusty wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N9013H
Make
PIPISTREL
Serial Number
088S9120103
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
SINUS 912PISI
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
VALIAIR LC TRUSTEE
Address
4605 HARRISON BLVD STE 202
Status
Deregistered
City
OGDEN
State / Zip Code
UT 84403-7043
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that the motor-glider encountered a wind gust during the landing flare that resulted in a 15-degree runway misalignment. The pilot considered a go-around, but elected to attempt a landing in the grass adjacent to the runway as the safest course of action. He stated that another wind gust "caught" the right wing and the motor-glider ground looped in the grass. The motor-glider subsequently nosed over and received substantial damage to its fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures. A weather reporting station near the accident airport recorded the wind speed as 15 knots gusting to 25 knots. The reported wind direction was aligned with the runway direction.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA038