N27UP

Substantial
None

ROLLADEN-SCHNEIDER OHG LS3-AS/N: 3280

Accident Details

Date
Monday, September 3, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN12CA608
Location
Navasota, TX
Event ID
20120905X60000
Coordinates
30.269721, -95.967224
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for landing area conditions during an off-airport landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a collision with terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N27UP
Make
ROLLADEN-SCHNEIDER OHG
Serial Number
3280
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Model / ICAO
LS3-ADH2T
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
FRIAS ROBERTO J
Address
PO BOX 771629
Status
Deregistered
City
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
State / Zip Code
CO 80477-1629
Country
United States

Analysis

The glider pilot reported he was about five miles from his destination airport and had enough altitude to make the field, but encountered sink and was unable to find additional lift. The pilot decided on an off field landing in a large open grass field. During the landing the right wing tip hit the tall grass which resulted in a ground loop when glider was still several feet above ground. The nose yawed to the right and the glider impacted terrain nose first. The wings, fuselage and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot added that the accident could have been avoided if he had focused more on his choice of a landing spot and that he should have avoided landing in a field with tall grass.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA608