Pilot Debrief

SCHEMPP-HIRTH DISCUS-2B near Nephi, UT — 2024-06-25

Final reportWPR24LA249
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Date
2024-06-25
Location
Nephi, UT, USA
Airport
U14
Aircraft
SCHEMPP-HIRTH DISCUS-2B
Registration
N41RE
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a wind encounter, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he obtained the wind information at the airport, which was about 10 kts sustained directly down the runway, prior to starting his approach. While on short final, he encountered wind shear at approximately 50 ft above ground level. The pilot closed the spoilers and pushed the flight stick forward to maintain his airspeed with the intention of flying through the wind shear. However, the glider rapidly descended towards the ground and the pilot was unable to arrest the descent before the glider impacted the runway. According to the pilot, his slow airspeed during the landing likely prevented him from arresting his descent. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that could have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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