Pilot Debrief

PDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-55-1 near Henderson, NC — 2013-05-12

Final reportERA13CA272
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Date
2013-05-12
Location
Henderson, NC, USA
Aircraft
PDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-55-1
Registration
N81799
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of aerodynamic lift that resulted in a forced landing to unsuitable terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had been soaring in his glider for approximately 3 hours. While returning to the airport, the glider encountered a sink and had descended 2,500 feet before the pilot was able to find a more favorable air mass. At that time, the glider was too low to fly to the airport and the pilot elected to land in a field. While on final approach, the pilot noticed that the field had deep ruts; however, he was committed to landing at that point. During the landing, the left wing struck a rut and the glider ground-looped, which partially separated the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the glider.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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