N84AM

Substantial
Serious

ROLLADEN SCHNEIDER OHG LS-3-17S/N: 3466

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 16, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA338
Location
Adelanto, CA
Event ID
20110719X30757
Coordinates
34.568332, -117.553337
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's incorrect use of the flap control pitch control recovery which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N84AM
Make
ROLLADEN SCHNEIDER OHG
Serial Number
3466
Year Built
1980
Model / ICAO
LS-3-17

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SCHIRRA JOHN A
Address
20226 E WALNUT CANYON RD
Status
Deregistered
City
WALNUT
State / Zip Code
CA 91789-4412
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was turning the glider from base to final at about 400 feet with full flaps and spoilers extended. On final about 100 feet above the ground, the pilot decided to change his flap setting from 20 degrees to 10 degrees as there was a cross wind. When he went to move the flap handle, the handle slipped from his hand and instantly changed the flaps to 10 degrees, which caused the glider to lose lift and nose down. The pilot then pulled back on the controls which caused the glider to stall and collide with the ground. The glider was substantially damaged and the pilot was seriously injured during the accident. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions of failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA338