Oops

On Monday, June 10, 2019 at 9:00:16 PM UTC-4, John Foster wrote:
Sounds to me like the pilot did everything he could

Hi John,

I disagree. I think this accident was 100% preventable.

What's the safe way to cross an urban area in a motor glider? Isn't it exactly the same way you cross an urban area safely in any non-motorized glider?

I pointed out earlier that the crash site is 2.7 miles from the runway intersection. He didn't even make it to what we would ordinarily describe as a (glider appropriate) landing pattern.

I agree that name calling isn't helpful... but I understand the aggravation of others. This one accident has generated more press coverage nationally than the entire balance of the sport for some years, all of it reflecting badly on us.

best,
Evan

On Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 8:43:12 AM UTC-4, Tango Eight wrote:

What's the safe way to cross an urban area in a motor glider? Isn't it exactly the same way you cross an urban area safely in any non-motorized glider?

Owners of self-launching electric motorgliders are feral. They don't need to affiliate with a gliding club that provides training and structure on top of the very light FAA requirements for PPL-glider-self_launch. That works fine if the pilot acquired the knowledge/experience that he needs on another path.

A PPL-ASEL includes XC training and experience that touches on weather, fuel reserves, and contingency planning. All factors deficient in this flight..

Agreed @Even. Everyone makes mistakes, but I definitely an a bit confused as to what type of pattern he was flying that put him 2.7 miles away behind a ridge. Glad everyone survived but I hope it's a learning experience for all that sink happens in the pattern so flying a high sink rate approach is a must even in a FES equipped glider.

Wyll

Just picking this post to reply to.....not picking on the post.....

None of us were there.....
We were not making the decisions.....
I have limited info on the pilot......

I have some time in SEL power......yes....I have been number 8 in the pattern (Poughkeepsie, NY/Dutchess county airport...) in a C-150.,,.. believe VNE is like 130MPH?.
Flying a pattern at about 120MPH level flight (likely a bit less) and asked to speed up due to twin prop behind me......asked for a 360* orbit to allow a pass.....dude....I am maxed out on level flight in this ship.....let follower pass if OK....

Yes, I have also seen MANY power flights into our field over the decades......
Quite a few were flatter than I would do (with margins) in a lowly 2-33, let alone a powerplane.....roughly 22:1 vs. 7:1......

Yes, I have seen this incident (glider goes through house roof) pop up all over the Frikkin place.
Sorry for a broken ship.
Glad pilot basically walked away.
Glad ground peeps were physically fine.
Yes, ground damage done......hopefully insurance fixes it.

As mentioned.....maybe a bit more training of pilot would have helped....maybe.
High cause of bent/broken SEL ships.......run out of fuel or continued VFR flight into IFR....CFIT is likely next.....
This case sorta sounds like......"lack of fuel".

Yes, poop happens......
Name calling without knowing a lot more facts presented is.....well......poor...

Whatever,.....