Summary
On May 30, 2015, a Schweizer SGS 1 26B (N8683R) was involved in an incident near Mocksville, NC. 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 glider pilot over-ran the runway and impacted a structure after encountering a strong updraft on short final.
The student pilot, was on his first solo in this make and model glider, and reported that while on final approach, with the spoilers extended, the glider encountered a "significant strong thermal updraft", which caused him to float past his intended landing spot. Subsequently the glider over-ran the runway and impacted a structure, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe that would have precluded normal operation
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA15CA098. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N8683R.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The glider pilot over-ran the runway and impacted a structure after encountering a strong updraft on short final.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The student pilot, was on his first solo in this make and model glider, and reported that while on final approach, with the spoilers extended, the glider encountered a "significant strong thermal updraft", which caused him to float past his intended landing spot. Subsequently the glider over-ran the runway and impacted a structure, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe 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# GAA15CA098