What happened
While flying in the traffic pattern, the pilot of a motor glider observed another aircraft on the runway while on the downwind leg. The pilot continued a descent toward the runway while monitoring the other aircraft, but descended to a low altitude within the pattern. In an attempt to compensate for the low altitude, the pilot shortened the landing pattern.
As the aircraft approached the edge of the runway, the pilot attempted to retract the flaps fully to clear tall trees in the area. During this maneuver, the pilot mistakenly pulled the spoiler handle instead of the flap lever. This action resulted in the motor glider impacting trees.
The investigation
An FAA accident inspector examined the wreckage and found the aircraft suspended in pine trees approximately 30 feet above the ground. The aircraft was positioned in a 60-degree nose-low attitude. The investigation revealed that the tail section had broken away from the fuselage, and both wings sustained extensive damage. Upon inspection of the flight controls, the inspector found the spoilers were deployed and the flaps were in the fully retracted position.
Findings
- The aircraft was positioned in a nose-low attitude after impacting trees.
- The pilot's error in manipulating the spoiler handle instead of the flap lever led to the impact.