Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the motor-glider while landing in gusty wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis 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 chose to attempt a landing in the grass adjacent to the runway because he believed that was the safest course of action. He stated that another wind gust "caught" the right wing and the motor-glider ground looped in the grass, nosed over, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that the wind at the time of the accident was gusting to 25 knots. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual 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.