What happened
On August 4, 2005, a Nimbus 4DM motor glider, registration D-KUPR, was returning to Rieti Airport (LIQN) following a competition. While preparing to land on runway 16R, the pilot realized there was insufficient altitude to perform a circuit and land into the wind. Consequently, the pilot opted to land with a tailwind.
During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to yaw the aircraft to the left to prevent the aircraft from overrunning the end of the runway. This maneuver resulted in the left wingtip striking the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate on its axis, leading to a secondary impact where the tail boom struck the ground and broke. The two occupants of the aircraft were uninjured and evacuated the aircraft independently.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the sequence of events during the final approach and landing phase. Investigators examined the meteorological conditions, which were reported as CAVOK with winds from approximately 310° to 330° at 6 to 13 knots. The investigation also reviewed the airworthiness of the aircraft, finding no technical defects or mechanical failures that contributed to the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control during the final stage of the landing roll when the pilot executed a deliberate yaw to avoid overshooting the runway.
- A contributing factor was the decision to perform a landing with a tailwind due to insufficient altitude for a standard approach.