SCHLEICHER ALEXANDER K 7 near Benton, TN — 2014-04-27

Probable cause

The pilot's distraction with traffic on the runway, and his subsequent failure to retract the air brakes prior to touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

In a statement to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot of the glider stated that he was on final approach for landing with the air brakes deployed when he observed another glider on the runway. He raised the nose of his glider to clear the other glider, but did not retract the air brakes, which resulted in a hard landing. The pilot sustained serious injuries. Postaccident examination by an FAA inspector revealed minor damage to the glider's tail skid, and no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Hard landing · Landing-flare/touchdown
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Pilot's Statement to FAAinterview
• Photo 1 - Empennage of Glider (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Photo 2 - Damage to Tail Skid (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos

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