Pilot Debrief

ZS DELTA-BIELSKO WROCLAW SZD 36 A COBRA 15 near Hammond, IL — 2018-05-27

Final reportGAA18CA305
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Date
2018-05-27
Location
Hammond, IL, USA
Aircraft
ZS DELTA-BIELSKO WROCLAW SZD 36 A COBRA 15
Registration
N1075G
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during an off-airport landing and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from power pole guy wires.

NTSB narrative

According to the glider pilot, while skirting rain showers, he was unable to find lift and made an off-airport landing. The pilot made a straight-in approach to a field and noticed that power line poles lined the west side of the field. He made his approach just east of the poles so that he would have access to a road and could load the glider onto a transport trailer. The glider touched down on the dirt field, drifted toward the power line poles, and the left wing struck a guy wire that ran perpendicular to the poles. The glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the left side of the fuselage near the wing root. The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had not landed so close to the poles. Further, he should have chosen a field earlier when he had more altitude, circled the field, and landed near the center. The pilot reported that there were no 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

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