Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the inadvertent stall while performing a short field landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot attempted to demonstrate his skill at performing a short field landing during a preemployment evaluation flight to become a glider tow pilot. On short final approach, the pilot descended to between 10 and 15 feet above ground level, 200 feet short of the threshold, and the aircraft stalled. The wind was calm.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 26, 1995, around 1230 hours Pacific daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N8649V, collided with terrain on short final approach to the Hemet-Ryan Airport, Hemet, California. The airplane was destroyed, and the certificated commercial pilot received minor injuries The passenger received serious injuries. At the time of the accident the pilot was demonstrating his airman skills to the rear seated glider flight instructor (CFI) for the purpose of acquiring employment towing gliders. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Hemet around 1215. The CFI reported that during the preemployment evaluation flight he asked the pilot-in-command to demonstrate his skill at performing a short field landing. The airplane's engine was operating normally, and the wind was light and variable. The pilot's initial approach appeared satisfactory; however, on short final approach the pilot allowed the airplane to become low and slow. The CFI stated that there was ample time for the pilot to take corrective action. Between 10 and 15 feet above ground level, the pilot suddenly stalled the airplane, lost control, and crashed into a rough field about 200 feet short of the threshold. The CFI further stated that there was insufficient time for him to have acquired control of the airplane in order to avert the accident. On November 1, 1995, the pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board that during the accident flight his approach speed was initially 65 knots. He was trying to make a "low energy" landing. Although the wind was calm he may have encountered a shear, and then the airplane stalled. There were no reported mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. -