PDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-59
Durango, CO — July 12, 2009
Event Information
| Date | July 12, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN09CA434 |
| Event ID | 20090713X63907 |
| Location | Durango, CO |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.33639, -107.85111 |
| Airport | Val Air Airport |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | PDPS PZL-BIELSKO |
| Model | SZD-59 |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | DEST |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The glider pilot's decision to perform a low-altitude 360-degree turn while on final approach to land.
Full Narrative
The glider pilot entered a right downwind and turned right base, then to final to land north at the Airport. He noticed the tow plane on the runway taking off south bound. The pilot elected to make an abrupt right 360 degree turn at about 80 feet above ground level and contacted trees. The glider was destroyed and the pilot sustained serious non life threatening injuries.
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.