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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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April 10, 2020 · Pipistrel Sinus No Series · N711MK

Townsend, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 10, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Townsend, TN
Aircraft
Pipistrel Sinus No Series (2013)
Tail Number
N711MK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA151

The pilot reported that, while en route, the motor glider began to lose altitude unexpectedly. He turned the motor glider toward an area where lift was expected, but it continued to descend. When the motor glider was about 300 ft above trees, he unfeathered the propeller and started the engine. The motor glider continued to descend due to a downdraft, and the pilot deployed the airframe parachute. Subsequently, the motor glider impacted vegetation, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the motor glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The motor glider's encounter with atmospheric lift conditions that were not sufficient to maintain flight, which necessitated a forced landing and resulted in impact with vegetation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's delayed decision to restart the motor glider's engine.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the motor-glider reported that, while enroute on a local flight he encountered an area of unexpected sink. Turning toward an area where lift was expected, additional sink was encountered. When the motor-glider was about 300 ft above the trees, the propeller was unfeathered and the engine was started. The motor-glider continued to descend due to downdraft and the pilot deployed the airframe parachute. The motor-glider continued to descend and impacted vegetation.The motor-glider sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the motor-glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPipistrel Sinus No Series
Tail NumberN711MK
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 912 UL2 · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 27 C
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time14:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data