Accident Sequence
On August 3, 2017, at about 1100 eastern daylight time, a Pipistrel Virus-SW motor glider, registration N811AW, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following an aborted landing on a private grass airstrip near Immokalee, Florida. The private pilot reported minor injuries, and the passenger was seriously injured. The flight originated from Immokalee Regional Airport (IMM) at about 1045 and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
The pilot stated that he was attempting to land on a 1,200-foot-long grass airstrip with 50-foot-tall trees at both ends. After touchdown on the first third of the runway, realizing he would not stop in time, he disengaged the air brakes, aborted the landing, and attempted a go-around. During the initial climb at about 30 feet, the left wing quickly dropped. The glider descended and its left wing impacted the ground. It subsequently struck trees located about 75 feet left of the runway center and 1,000 feet beyond the approach end of the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure prior to the accident.
Examination of the Accident Site
Examination of the accident site revealed pieces of the fiberglass wheel fairing near the touchdown point. These pieces were scattered along the runway for about 150 feet, with the last piece about 550 feet from the main wreckage. The debris path aligned with the runway heading of 080°. No other ground scars were found until the first impact marks near the wreckage. An approximately 140-foot-long debris field, oriented about a magnetic course of 060°, was located off the left side of the runway, including ground scars and propeller scalp marks. The left wing was completely separated from the fuselage at the wing spar near the wing root. The empennage was twisted upside down.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
According to FAA and aircraft records, the motor glider was issued a special airworthiness certificate for experimental exhibition on March 1, 2017. It was manufactured by Pipistrel d.o.o. Ajdovscii. The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a glider rating issued on March 27, 2017, and reported a total flight time of 33 hours.
Weather
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Fort Myers, Florida, located about 40 miles east-northeast of the accident site, reported at 1053: wind from 130° at 8 knots, visibility 10 miles, broken clouds at 2,100 feet, temperature 31°C, dew point 25°C, and altimeter setting 30.14 inches of mercury.