Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare, inadequate bounced landing recovery, and his failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing an approach to the destination airport in his powered glider. The aircraft touched down and bounced. It then began to veer to the right of the runway centerline. The aircraft then swerved to the left and the pilot could not regain control. The aircraft continued off the runway surface and down an embankment. The main landing gear encountered soft terrain and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine. He noted that winds were calm. When queried as to the cause of the accident, the pilot opined that the aircraft had "too much energy" during the landing sequence.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA208 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 1, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bend, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Pipistrel Virus 912
- N-number
- N126BF
- Category
- Glider
- 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.