Schleicher ASW 24
Paulden, AZ — August 4, 2019
Event Information
| Date | August 4, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA483 |
| Event ID | 20190804X85924 |
| Location | Paulden, AZ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.93167, -112.51750 |
| Airport | Pilots Rest |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | Schleicher |
| Model | ASW 24 |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's distraction due to the environment, his failure to lower the landing gear, and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control while landing the glider, which resulted in impact with a utility box.
Full Narrative
The glider pilot reported that, due to the unimproved airport blending in with the surrounding environment, he was unable to identify the runway and decided to land on a dirt road. While concentrating on landing, he failed to extend the landing gear. On short finial, he noticed that the landing gear was not extended and while changing hands to extend the landing gear, the glider drifted right of the dirt road. Upon landing on the dirt road, the glider veered right and impacted a utility box.
The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and canopy.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider 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.