Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and runway overrun.
NTSB analysis
The powered-glider pilot reported that, during the approach, about 10 to 20 ft above the ground, the descent rate was higher than normal. He moved his hand from the spoiler to the throttle, but before he could apply power to arrest the descent, the glider landed hard and bounced. The glider then banked left, he added full power, but the left wingtip impacted a hedge, and the glider rotated counterclockwise. Subsequently, the glider impacted the ground and came to rest on a dirt embankment.
The powered-glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and engine mount.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA458 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clayton, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Big Creek Flying Ranch (GA18)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built VIRUS SW
- N-number
- N608US
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 2013
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.