GAA19CA241

Factual narrative

The pilot of a power-glider reported that, while on final, he observed that his ground speed was higher than his indicated airspeed. Upon landing on the first ¼ of the 2700 ft runway, the powered-glider veered left and he corrected with left brake and rudder, and the power-glider overran the runway, and impacted a tree. The powered-glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered-glider that would have precluded normal operation. The automated weather observation station located 6 NM east of the accident reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 5 knots. The powered-glider was landing on runway 26. The pilot further reported that he was later told he touched down beyond halfway down the runway and the pilot recommended not landing with a tailwind. The pilot of the powered glider reported that, while on final, he saw that the ground speed was higher than the indicated airspeed. Upon landing, the powered glider veered left, and he corrected with left brake and rudder. The powered glider then overran the runway and impacted a tree. The powered glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered glider that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, after the accident, he was told the airplane touched down beyond halfway down the runway, and he recommended not landing with a tailwind. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Landing distance-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
• C Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Decision related to condition - C
• C Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on operation - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Effect on operation - C