Summary
On November 05, 2016, a Schempp-hirth Flugzeugbau DUO DISCUS (N484KS) was involved in an accident near Port Matilda, PA. All 2 people aboard were uninjured.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The bystander's decision to walk onto the runway, which resulted in him being struck by the glider's left wing.
The pilot of a glider reported that during the landing roll, near the location where he wanted to stop, he felt a "thump." He further reported that he observed a person lying on the ground on the runway and did not see the bystander previously.
According to the pilot-rated passenger, who was also the airport manager, the bystander was taking photographs of the glider and had moved onto the runway surface during the landing roll. Subsequently, the bystander was struck by the left wing. He further reported that he also did not see the bystander before the collision.
This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA063. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N484KS.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The bystander's decision to walk onto the runway, which resulted in him being struck by the glider's left wing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of a glider reported that during the landing roll, near the location where he wanted to stop, he felt a "thump." He further reported that he observed a person lying on the ground on the runway and did not see the bystander previously.
According to the pilot-rated passenger, who was also the airport manager, the bystander was taking photographs of the glider and had moved onto the runway surface during the landing roll. Subsequently, the bystander was struck by the left wing. He further reported that he also did not see the bystander before the collision.
The airport manager reported that the airport had a sign near the runway, which stated "Caution Aircraft Operations." Postaccident, the airport manager reported that he installed cones delineating the boundary of the runway and added an additional sign stating "Remain Behind Cones."
The bystander sustained serious injury.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider 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# GAA17CA063