Pilot Debrief

PZL SWIDNIK PW-5 near Kerrick, TX — 2025-07-19

Final reportCEN25LA271
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Date
2025-07-19
Location
Kerrick, TX, USA
Airport
5TE4
Aircraft
PZL SWIDNIK PW-5
Registration
N4426Z
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while flying his glider, he was unable to maintain enough altitude to return to the departure airport, so he performed a forced landing to an alternate airport with a closed runway. During the landing rollout, the right wing of the glider struck a metal fence post, The glider pivoted and the left wing struck the barbed wire. The pilot said that he did not see the fence post because of the vegetation covering it. Both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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