Schleicher ASW 27
Mackay, ID — July 27, 2019
Event Information
| Date | July 27, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA479 |
| Event ID | 20190803X85650 |
| Location | Mackay, ID |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.85333, -113.51278 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Schleicher |
| Model | ASW 27 |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control of the glider during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left wing striking the ground and a subsequent ground loop.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the glider reported that, while returning to the airport, the glider descended faster than expected, so he diverted to an alfalfa field for landing. The glider encountered a gust of wind and the left wing "suddenly" hit the ground. The glider then ground looped to the left.
The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage and right aileron.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the wind was from 140° at 10 to 20 knots and gusting. The pilot landed the glider to the south.
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.