Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's excessive climb angle during a go-around from a bounced landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall and subsequent in-flight collision with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the powered glider bounced on landing. After the glider bounced a second time he decided to abort the landing and perform a go-around. He applied full engine power, but attempted too steep of a climb and stalled one wing which turned the glider toward some trees at the side of the runway. The glider failed to clear the trees substantially damaging the empennage, both wings and the propeller. The pilot further stated that there were no mechanical problems before the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 19, 2006, at 1115 eastern standard time, a Urban Air UFM-10, Powered Glider, N107NK, registered to Minsink Soaring Association, and operated by an individual as a 14 CFR Part 91, personal flight, collided with a tree during a go-around, at the Bermuda High Glider Field a private airstrip in Lancaster, South Carolina. The glider received substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Frederick Municipal Airport in Frederick, Maryland, on March 19, 2006, at 0730. According to the pilot, the powered glider bounced on landing. After the glider bounced a second time he decided to abort the landing a do a go-around. He applied full engine power, but attempted too steep of a climb and stalled one wing which turned the glider toward some trees at the side of the runway. The glider failed to clear the trees substantially damaging the empennage, both wings and the propeller. The pilot further stated that there were no mechanical problems before the accident.