Accident Overview
On May 13, 2017, at about 1820 central standard time, a Pipistrel Virus SW motorized-glider, registered as N616NG, impacted terrain during departure from Driftwood Ranch Airport (XA86) in Weatherford, Texas. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Pilot's Account
According to a statement from the pilot, he was departing on runway 16 at XA86. After reaching rotation speed, the pilot rotated the motorized-glider, and the nosewheel lifted off. At that moment, a gust of wind from the left pushed the motorized-glider to the right. The pilot reported that he pulled back on the control stick to climb while simultaneously adding left rudder and aileron. As the aircraft became airborne, the airspeed was insufficient, and the motorized-glider entered a stall-spin. After approximately a quarter turn, the motorized-glider impacted terrain.
Weather Information
At 1815, an automated weather reporting facility located 7 nautical miles south of the accident site recorded wind from 160 degrees at 4 knots.
Damage
The collision caused substantial damage to the glider's fuselage and wings.