JONKER SAILPLANES (PTY) LTD JS1-C

Truckee, CA — July 14, 2014

Event Information

DateJuly 14, 2014
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberWPR14CA292
Event ID20140714X53809
LocationTruckee, CA
CountryUSA
Coordinates39.32639, -120.13055
AirportTRUCKEE-TAHOE
Highest InjurySERS

Aircraft

MakeJONKER SAILPLANES (PTY) LTD
ModelJS1-C
CategoryGLI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control in gusting wind conditions while on final approach to the runway.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that following an uneventful flight, he checked the weather at his destination airport, noting wind was from 220 degrees at 7 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The pilot initiated an approach to landing on runway 20, however, while on final approach, the glider began to descend rapidly and roll to the left. The pilot applied opposite control inputs and noted that the glider began to turn to the right prior to impacting terrain slightly downslope from the runway. Recorded weather observations at the airport about 23 minutes after the accident revealed that the wind was from 250 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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