Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow the checklist to remove the wing wheel and tail dolly before takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the powered glider reported that, after takeoff he realized that both the left wing and tail dolly were still attached. The pilot returned to the airport and prepared for a straight in landing to the grass runway with the electric propellor off and the main wheel retracted. The fuselage was substantially damaged when the glider landed hard. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.