Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The glider pilot’s selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in a collision with a ditch during the landing roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the glider pilot, during a glider competition he passed a "weak frontal system" and lift could not be sustained. He determined that he had about 15 minutes of flight before the glider was going to land. He selected a large field and established a traffic pattern and accomplished a full stall landing. However, during the landing roll on down sloping terrain about 40 knots, the glider collided with a ditch.
The glider sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider 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# GAA18CA392