N33CP James L. Stringfellow Glastar accident

NTSB MIA07CA108 · 2007-06-09 · Williston, FL · near X60

Summary

The pilot stated that he was test flying the Glastar experimental airplane he had just constructed, and while in cruise flight he noticed a blinking EIS light. He said he decided to land and to check it out, while on the ground, and further stated that during the landing flare/touchdown, he landed hard, and short of runway 23. He said the impact caused the nose gear to collapse, and the airplane to tip over. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane, and it was a case of pilot error.

Full narrative

The pilot stated that he was test flying the Glastar experimental airplane he had just constructed, and while in cruise flight he noticed a blinking EIS light. He said he decided to land and to check it out, while on the ground, and further stated that during the landing flare/touchdown, he landed hard, and short of runway 23. He said the impact caused the nose gear collapse, and the airplane to tip over. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane, and it was a case of pilot error.

Probable cause

The pilot's misjudgment of distance/altitude and his improper touchdown point which resulted in an undershoot, nose over and damage to the airplane. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type: Accident
Highest injury: Minor
Weather conditions: Visual Meteorological Cond
Light condition: Day
Sky condition: NONE
Ceiling (ft): 0
Visibility (sm): 10
Wind direction: 320
Wind speed (kt): 7
Temperature (F): 90
Nearest airport: WILLISTON MUNI
Distance from field: 0.0
Airport elevation: 70

Aircraft

Registration	Make	Model	Damage	FAR part
N33CP	James L. Stringfellow	Glastar	SUBS	091

Sequence of events

#	Occurrence	Phase
1	390	Cruise
2	300	Cruise

Findings

Finding
24580	cause
24531	cause