Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing due to the wind gusts. The wind gusts were a factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 28, 2005, about 1335 central daylight time, a Let L 33 Solo glider, N93205, piloted by a private pilot sustained substantial damage during landing on runway 18 (2,550 feet by 200 feet, turf), at the Stanton Airfield, Stanton, Minnesota. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot was not injured. The local flight originated about 1250.
In a written statement, the pilot said that while on final approach to land, he experienced extreme turbulence and a very rapid descent. He stated that he immediately closed the glider's spoilers, but the rapid descent continued until the right wing impacted the ground and the glider ground-looped.
The winds recorded at an airport located 12 nautical miles northwest of the accident site were from 220 degrees magnetic at 4 knots gusting to 15 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI05CA255