Summary
On March 11, 2017, a Davis Frank R XENOS MOTORGLIDER (N56FD) was involved in an accident near Minden, NV. 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 pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in variable wind conditions.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during touchdown the airplane "weathervaned to the left and full right rudder could not keep it on the runway". Subsequently, the main landing gear dug into the soft mud and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located on the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 6 knots. The pilot landed on runway 34.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA190. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N56FD.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in variable wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during touchdown the airplane "weathervaned to the left and full right rudder could not keep it on the runway". Subsequently, the main landing gear dug into the soft mud and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located on the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 6 knots. The pilot landed on runway 34.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA190