Summary
On May 02, 2015, a Schmidt Donald L GS1 GLASTAR (N993S) was involved in an accident near Moriarty, NM. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The inadvertent encounter with a microburst while maneuvering near mountainous terrain, which resulted in a off airport landing and impact with terrain.
While maneuvering in mountainous terrain about 700 feet above ground level, the airplane encountered "an extreme clear-air [sic] microburst." The pilot was unable to control the descent rate and executed an off-airport landing. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) from the pilot were unsuccessful.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN15CA218. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N993S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The inadvertent encounter with a microburst while maneuvering near mountainous terrain, which resulted in a off airport landing and impact with terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
While maneuvering in mountainous terrain about 700 feet above ground level, the airplane encountered "an extreme clear-air [sic] microburst." The pilot was unable to control the descent rate and executed an off-airport landing. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) from the pilot were unsuccessful.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN15CA218