Pilot Debrief

SCHEMPP-HIRTH STANDARD CIRRUS near Moriarty, NM — 2010-09-05

Final reportCEN10CA542
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Date
2010-09-05
Location
Moriarty, NM, USA
Aircraft
SCHEMPP-HIRTH STANDARD CIRRUS
Registration
N4664
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The inadvertent opening of the cockpit canopy for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

While being towed aloft behind an airplane, the glider’s cockpit canopy inadvertently opened. The glider pilot released from tow and attempted to close the canopy to no avail. The pilot entered the airport traffic pattern for landing about 20 minutes later. While on final approach, the pilot was unable to activate the dive brakes to shorten the landing distance due to her left hand being used to hold the canopy down. The glider crossed the runway threshold around 300 feet above ground level, and continued past the end of the runway for approximately one mile before she performed an off-airport landing. During landing the glider’s right wing impacted a fence post, resulting in structural damage. The reason for the inadvertent canopy opening was not determined.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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