PIPISTREL SINUS 912 near Indianapolis, IN — 2011-10-16

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the motor-glider while landing in gusty wind conditions.

NTSB 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.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

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