Pilot Debrief

SCHLEICHER ASK-21 near Front Royal, VA — 2024-10-06

Final reportERA25LA009
Sign in to save
Date
2024-10-06
Location
Front Royal, VA, USA
Airport
FRR
Aircraft
SCHLEICHER ASK-21
Registration
N341KS
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent improper recovery from a hard, bounced landing.

NTSB narrative

The glider pilot reported the purpose of the flight was to work on landings, so he requested a “pattern tow” from the tow pilot. He released the towline on a 45° entry to the downwind leg and proceeded to fly a standard right-hand traffic pattern. The pilot stated that he kept his airbrakes in the “mostly closed” position from the final approach segment through landing. Upon touching down short of his intended aim point, the pilot reported that the glider bounced and entered a pilot-induced-oscillation, bouncing a few more times down the runway, and resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

Related mishaps