Summary
On August 20, 2010, a Schempp-hirth VENTUS-2B (N710RJ) was involved in an incident near Madisonville, TX. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider while landing in a crosswind.
The pilot stated he was unable to maintain enough lift in his glider to land back at the airport, so he attempted to land in a field about 1.9 miles short of the runway. During the landing, in a 90 degree crosswind that was approximately 15 to 18 knots, the pilot ground looped the glider and collided with a mesquite tree. The tail boom and horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the glider.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN10CA495. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N710RJ.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider while landing in a crosswind.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot stated he was unable to maintain enough lift in his glider to land back at the airport, so he attempted to land in a field about 1.9 miles short of the runway. During the landing, in a 90 degree crosswind that was approximately 15 to 18 knots, the pilot ground looped the glider and collided with a mesquite tree. The tail boom and horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the glider.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA495