PIPISTREL SINUS 912
Indianapolis, IN — October 16, 2011
Event Information
| Date | October 16, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN12CA038 |
| Event ID | 20111020X64425 |
| Location | Indianapolis, IN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.03056, -86.25139 |
| Airport | Indianapolis Regional |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPISTREL |
| Model | SINUS 912 |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the motor-glider while landing in gusty wind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that the motor-glider encountered a wind gust during the landing flare that resulted in a 15-degree runway misalignment. The pilot considered a go-around, but elected to attempt a landing in the grass adjacent to the runway as the safest course of action. He stated that another wind gust "caught" the right wing and the motor-glider ground looped in the grass. The motor-glider subsequently nosed over and received substantial damage to its fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures. A weather reporting station near the accident airport recorded the wind speed as 15 knots gusting to 25 knots. The reported wind direction was aligned with the runway direction.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.