Pilot Debrief

GLASFLUGEL STANDARD LIBELLE near Fields, OR — 2024-07-25

Final reportWPR24LA273
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Date
2024-07-25
Location
Fields, OR, USA
Aircraft
GLASFLUGEL STANDARD LIBELLE
Registration
N1599
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The glider’s encounter with a gusting wind and downdraft conditions, which resulted in exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the glider reported that desert storm fronts had been moving in and out of the area during her flight. When the wind increased, and the glider was unable to maintain or regain altitude due to an absence of thermal activity the pilot elected to land off airport between two approaching storms. The pilot lowered the nose to maintain airspeed; however, during the landing flare, the glider encountered a gusting wind and a downdraft, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall about 3-4 ft above the ground. The glider then landed hard, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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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