N644CC

On April 21, 2024, about 1530 mountain daylight time, an experimental Schleicher Alexander Gmbh & Co Ash 26E, N644CC, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Heber, Utah. The pilot was not injured. The motor glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, he planned to practice takeoff and landings. During the second takeoff, the pilot realized that the motor glider was not climbing or maintaining altitude. He reported that he was wearing a headset and could not recall if the engine was running rough and did not recall what the engine rpm was. The pilot elected to perform a 180° left turn to land on the taxiway. Upon completion of the turn, the motor glider was to the right of the taxiway without adequate altitude to correct to the taxiway. The pilot elected to land straight ahead on hilly terrain. During the landing roll, the motor glider struck vegetation and came to rest upright. The pilot stated that he exited the motor glider without assistance and observed that the engine was not running.

Postaccident examination of the motor glider revealed that the wings, empennage, and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The motor glider was relocated to a secure hangar for further examination.