N2280XStemme S 102019-05-03 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

Stemme S 10S/N: 10-27

Summary

On May 03, 2019, a Stemme S 10 (N2280X) was involved in an accident near Sonoma, CA. 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 improper decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to maintain a proper approach, which resulted in a long landing, a runway overrun, and impact with a tree.

The pilot of a power-glider reported that, while on final, he observed that his ground speed was higher than his indicated airspeed. Upon landing on the first ¼ of the 2700 ft runway, the powered-glider veered left and he corrected with left brake and rudder, and the power-glider overran the runway, and impacted a tree.

The powered-glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered-glider that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located 6 NM east of the accident reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 5 knots. The powered-glider was landing on runway 26.

This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA241. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2280X.

Accident Details

Date
Friday, May 3, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA241
Location
Sonoma, CA
Event ID
20190503X92424
Coordinates
38.257499, -122.434165
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper decision to land with a tailwind and his failure to maintain a proper approach, which resulted in a long landing, a runway overrun, and impact with a tree.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
STEMME
Serial Number
10-27
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
S 10S10S
Aircraft Type
Glider
No. of Engines
1
Seats
1
FAA Model
S-10

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MCCOMBS DALE
Address
2721 FALCON WAY
City
MIDLOTHIAN
State / Zip Code
TX 76065-4713
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of a power-glider reported that, while on final, he observed that his ground speed was higher than his indicated airspeed. Upon landing on the first ¼ of the 2700 ft runway, the powered-glider veered left and he corrected with left brake and rudder, and the power-glider overran the runway, and impacted a tree.

The powered-glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered-glider that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located 6 NM east of the accident reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 5 knots. The powered-glider was landing on runway 26. The pilot further reported that he was later told he touched down beyond halfway down the runway and the pilot recommended not landing with a tailwind.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA241