Pilot Debrief

ROLLADEN SCHNEIDER OHG LS-3-17 near Adelanto, CA — 2011-07-16

Final reportWPR11CA338
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Date
2011-07-16
Location
Adelanto, CA, USA
Airport
0CL1
Aircraft
ROLLADEN SCHNEIDER OHG LS-3-17
Registration
N84AM
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's incorrect use of the flap control pitch control recovery which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he turned from the base leg to final approach at about 400 feet with full flaps and spoilers extended. On final approach about 100 feet above the ground, he decided to change the flap setting from 20 degrees to 10 degrees as there was a crosswind. He said that as he tried to move the flap handle, the handle slipped from his hand and instantly changed the flaps to 10 degrees, which resulted in the glider losing lift and nosed down. He pulled back on the controls, but the glider stalled and collided with the ground resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine 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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