Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA19CA241

Sonoma, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N2280X

Stemme S 10

Analysis

The pilot of the powered glider reported that, while on final, he saw that the ground speed was higher than the indicated airspeed. Upon landing, the powered glider veered left, and he corrected with left brake and rudder. The powered glider then overran the runway and impacted a tree. The powered glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and 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 pilot reported that, after the accident, he was told the airplane touched down beyond halfway down the runway, and he recommended not landing with a tailwind.

Factual Information

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.

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.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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