Probable cause
The pilot’s unstabilized approach, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the powered glider reported that, while maneuvering for landing for runway 26, he was distracted by a helicopter and the approach of another glider. He elected to land on runway 17, and while on final approach, the powered glider was high and landed over 1000 ft down the runway. The powered glider overran the departure end of the runway and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the aft fuselage and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA153 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 15, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Moriarty, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Moriarty Municipal Airport (0E0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stemme Gmbh & Co S10-VT
- N-number
- N995J
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 2004
- 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.