JS3 tree strike on approach — jet sustainer left extended, wrong flap input
A Jonker JS3 sustainer struck trees on approach to New Castle (Virginia); the pilot was uninjured and the right wing substantially damaged. After running the sustainer for ~90 s and shutting it off, the pilot did not stow it; the extended sustainer kept creating drag. He configured for landing (flaps and gear) with it still out. Noticing an excessive sink rate he tried to reduce flaps but selected full negative, deploying the spoilers and worsening the descent. On base-to-final he levelled the wings for controlled tree contact. NTSB cited the un-stowed sustainer and the incorrect flap selection.
- Approach with sustainer: During the approach and descent to New Castle, the pilot deployed and operated the jet sustainer for about 90 seconds in the motorglider.
- Jet sustainer left extended: After shutting down the jet sustainer, the pilot forgot to stow it, leaving it extended and increasing drag during the subsequent approach.
- Landing configuration set: After entering the traffic pattern, the pilot extended flaps and landing gear to configure for landing while the jet sustainer remained extended.
- Incorrect flap selection: Noticing a higher-than-normal sink rate, the pilot attempted to reduce flaps but inadvertently selected full negative flap, which also deployed the spoilers and further increased the sink rate.
- Unable to clear trees: While turning from base to final in the traffic pattern, the pilot recognized that a collision with a nearby tree line was likely and leveled the wings in anticipation of tree contact.
- Crash - no injury: The glider struck trees short of the intended landing area, substantially damaging the right wing, and the pilot was uninjured.