SCHWEIZER SGS 1-34

Groveland, FL, August 13, 2010

Event Information

DateAugust 13, 2010
Event TypeACC
LocationGroveland, FL
CountryUSA
Coordinates28.40583, -81.83778
AirportSeminole Lake Gliderport
Highest InjuryNONE
NTSB NumberERA10CA419
Event ID20100813X72205

Aircraft

MakeSCHWEIZER
ModelSGS 1-34
Registration #N65916
OperatorSEMINOLE FLYING & SOARING INC
OwnerSEMINOLE FLYING & SOARING INC
CategoryGLI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to attain the proper approach path to the runway, resulting in landing short of the runway.

Full Narrative

The glider pilot reported that he was in the traffic pattern, setting up for a left downwind for runway 18. He turned base at 650 feet agl and then turned onto final at 450 feet agl. He found himself high on final and could not attain a normal glide slope using the dive brakes. He closed the dive brakes and performed a 360-degree turn to lose altitude. At mid-field and 100 feet agl, he decided to circle right and attempt a landing on runway 36. He “got too low” and impacted a tree short of the runway. A witness reported that the dive brakes remained full open during the accident sequence. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the wreckage reported that the dive brakes were in the deployed, or up position, when he arrived at the accident site.

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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