Pilot Debrief

Glasflugel MOSQUITO near Alvarado, TX — 2020-06-04

Final reportCEN20CA218
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Date
2020-06-04
Location
Alvarado, TX, USA
Airport
6XS2
Aircraft
Glasflugel MOSQUITO
Registration
N24HC
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to divert to the private airport and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control while landing on a turf runway that contained tall grass.

NTSB narrative

The glider pilot reported that due to a weakening of soaring updraft conditions he diverted from his original destination to another airport that he had landed at on previous occasions. While on short final, the pilot noticed the turf runway had not been mowed recently. During the landing rollout, due to long grass blocking his field of view, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the glider impacted a fence to the left of the runway, damaging the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The diversion airport was a private airport that required prior approval for landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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