Ultralight
Time Pressure; Workload
Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Human Factors; Weather
I was flying my ultralight aircraft in moderate mid-day conditions and light winds. After approximately 30 minutes of uneventful flying I set up to land at my home field. Normal approach and set for landing on Runway 13. Everything was normal until the last 10-20 FT AGL when a strong thermal or bit of turbulence that picked up one wing so hard and so fast that I was unable to correct. The ultralight rolled over and landed on its side with me still in the aircraft.Local pilots arrived immediately and assisted in securing the aircraft. I did not immediately file a NASA report since; as best I can tell; I did not deviate from any regulations or rules. When I spoke briefly with the local FAA a week ago they indicated that I might not even need to report this further. Just to clarify; this was a Part 103 flight with a fully compliant ultralight. I was flying solo and for personal reasons. I have since been in contact with the FAA and they have asked to come inspect the ultralight to ensure Part 103 compliance.
An ultralight aircraft was upset by a wind gust during approach at about 10 -20 FT and landed on its side with pilot apparently uninjured; still in it.