Pipistrel Virus 912
Bend, OR — July 1, 2008
Event Information
| Date | July 1, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | LAX08CA208 |
| Event ID | 20080916X01475 |
| Location | Bend, OR |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.09444, -121.20028 |
| Airport | Bend Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Pipistrel |
| Model | Virus 912 |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's improper flare, inadequate bounced landing recovery, and his failure to maintain directional control.
Full Narrative
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.
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.