SCHEMPP-HIRTH FLUGZEUGBAU DUO DISCUS

Port Matilda, PA — November 5, 2016

Event Information

DateNovember 5, 2016
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberGAA17CA063
Event ID20161114X85551
LocationPort Matilda, PA
CountryUSA
Coordinates40.82528, -77.99084
AirportEAGLE FIELD
Highest InjurySERS

Aircraft

MakeSCHEMPP-HIRTH FLUGZEUGBAU
ModelDUO DISCUS
CategoryGLI
FAR Part091

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The bystander's decision to walk onto the runway, which resulted in him being struck by the glider's left wing.

Full Narrative

The pilot of a glider reported that during the landing roll, near the location where he wanted to stop, he felt a "thump." He further reported that he observed a person lying on the ground on the runway and did not see the bystander previously.

According to the pilot-rated passenger, who was also the airport manager, the bystander was taking photographs of the glider and had moved onto the runway surface during the landing roll. Subsequently, the bystander was struck by the left wing. He further reported that he also did not see the bystander before the collision.

The airport manager reported that the airport had a sign near the runway, which stated "Caution Aircraft Operations." Postaccident, the airport manager reported that he installed cones delineating the boundary of the runway and added an additional sign stating "Remain Behind Cones."

The bystander sustained serious injury.

The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider 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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