Bend, OR, USA
N126BF
Pipistrel Virus 912
The pilot was performing an approach to the destination airport in his powered glider. The aircraft touched down and bounced. It then began to veer to the right of the runway centerline. The aircraft then swerved to the left and the pilot could not regain control. The aircraft continued off the runway surface and down an embankment. The main landing gear encountered soft terrain and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine. He noted that winds were calm. When queried as to the cause of the accident, the pilot opined that the aircraft had "too much energy" during the landing sequence.
In a written statement, the pilot reported that he was performing an approach to the destination airport in his powered glider. The aircraft touched down and bounced. It began to veer to the right of the runway centerline. The aircraft then unexpectedly swerved to the left and the pilot could not regain control. The aircraft continued off the runway surface and down an embankment. The main landing gear encountered soft terrain and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot spoke with a National Transportation Safety investigator immediately following the accident. He stated that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine. He noted that winds were calm. When queried as to the cause of the accident, the pilot opined that the aircraft had "too much energy" during the landing sequence.
The pilot's improper flare, inadequate bounced landing recovery, and his failure to maintain directional control.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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