Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and runway overrun.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The powered-glider pilot reported that, during the approach, about 10 to 20 ft above the ground, the descent rate was higher than normal. He moved his hand from the spoiler to the throttle, but before he could apply power to arrest the descent, the glider landed hard and bounced. The glider then banked left, he added full power, but the left wingtip impacted a hedge, and the glider rotated counterclockwise. Subsequently, the glider impacted the ground and came to rest on a dirt embankment. The powered-glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The motor glider pilot reported that, during the approach, about 10 to 20 ft above the ground, the descent rate was higher than normal. He moved his hand from the spoiler to the throttle but before he could apply power to arrest the descent the glider landed hard and bounced. The glider then banked to the left, he added full power, but the left wingtip impacted a hedge and the glider rotated counterclockwise. Subsequently, the glider impacted the ground and came to rest on a dirt embankment. The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.