Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s inadequate flare and bounced landing recovery technique that resulted in a hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot completed a 1-hour local flight, and entered right traffic on runway 30. He increased his speed because of strong gusty winds and turbulence. He worked the airbrakes and landed about 300 feet down the runway. The nose wheel touched down first, and the glider bounced; then the tail wheel touched down and the glider bounced. This cycle repeated twice despite the pilot’s attempts to control it with elevator. The rollout was normal. The pilot was not aware that the glider sustained substantial damage to the empennage until he exited the cockpit.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA422