ROLLADEN SCHNEIDER OHG LS-3-17

Adelanto, CA — July 16, 2011

Event Information

DateJuly 16, 2011
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberWPR11CA338
Event ID20110719X30757
LocationAdelanto, CA
CountryUSA
Coordinates34.56833, -117.55334
AirportKrey Field Airport
Highest InjurySERS

Aircraft

MakeROLLADEN SCHNEIDER OHG
ModelLS-3-17
CategoryGLI
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
None0
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's incorrect use of the flap control pitch control recovery which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was turning the glider from base to final at about 400 feet with full flaps and spoilers extended. On final about 100 feet above the ground, the pilot decided to change his flap setting from 20 degrees to 10 degrees as there was a cross wind. When he went to move the flap handle, the handle slipped from his hand and instantly changed the flaps to 10 degrees, which caused the glider to lose lift and nose down. The pilot then pulled back on the controls which caused the glider to stall and collide with the ground. The glider was substantially damaged and the pilot was seriously injured during the accident. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions of failures with the airframe or the engine 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.

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