Pilot Debrief

PZL-BIELSKO B1-PW-5 near Briggs, TX — 2026-08-06

Investigation ongoingCEN26LA282
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Date
2026-08-06
Location
Briggs, TX, USA
Airport
TX23
Aircraft
PZL-BIELSKO B1-PW-5
Registration
N105WS
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On August 6, 2026, about 1538 central daylight time, a PZL-Bielsko B1-PW-5 glider, N105WS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Briggs, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The glider was departing on an auto-tow launch at the time of the accident. According to witness statements, the glider achieved level flight at about 1,000 ft before release from the towline. Following the release, the glider yawed to the right and entered a descending spiral, completing about 7 to 8 rotations before impacting terrain west of the glider port. Witnesses reported that the glider impacted the ground in a near-vertical attitude. The cockpit and forward fuselage were crushed aft during the impact. Both wings remained attached to the fuselage. The tail section and vertical stabilizer were partially separated, with the aft 4 ft of the tail boom folded over the aft fuselage. The glider was retained for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of control in flight · Initial climb
  • Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb
View NTSB preliminary report

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