Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed, resulting in an aerodynamic stall and loss of control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot turned right base with the intention of landing at a grass strip adjacent to the runway. During the turn a glider reported that it was on the left downwind for the same landing area. The pilot then elected to overshoot the final turn in order to allow room for the glider to land. During the final turn, the pilot allowed the airspeed to decay and the airplane began to stall. He applied full engine power, but the airplane descended and impacted the ground, collapsing the right main landing gear and causing substantial damage to the forward fuselage. No mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe were observed prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot turned right base with the intention of landing at a grass strip adjacent to the runway. During the turn a glider reported that it was on the left downwind for the same landing area. The pilot then elected to overshoot the final turn in order to allow room for the glider to land. During the final turn, the pilot allowed the airspeed to decay and the airplane began to stall. He applied full engine power, but the airplane descended to ground impact collapsing the right main landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage during the accident sequence. No mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe were observed.