PDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-55-1
Henderson, NC — May 12, 2013
Event Information
| Date | May 12, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA13CA272 |
| Event ID | 20130606X83147 |
| Location | Henderson, NC |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.24528, -78.30889 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PDPS PZL-BIELSKO |
| Model | SZD-55-1 |
| 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
A loss of aerodynamic lift that resulted in a forced landing to unsuitable terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he had been soaring in his glider for approximately 3 hours. While returning to the airport, the glider encountered a sink and had descended 2,500 feet before the pilot was able to find a more favorable air mass. At that time, the glider was too low to fly to the airport and the pilot elected to land in a field. While on final approach, the pilot noticed that the field had deep ruts; however, he was committed to landing at that point. During the landing, the left wing struck a rut and the glider ground-looped, which partially separated the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the glider.
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.