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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 5, 1994 · Glasflugel Standard Libelle Standard L · N3992

Wellington, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 5, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wellington, CO
Aircraft
Glasflugel Standard Libelle Standard L
Tail Number
N3992
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW94LA197

THE GLIDER WAS TOWED ALOFT AND RELEASED AT 2,000 FEET AGL. THE PILOT SAID HE ENCOUNTERED 'STRONG SINK' AND DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE GLIDERPORT. HE ENTERED THE TRAFFIC PATTERN AT LOW ALTITUDE AND WHEN HE TURNED ONTO THE BASE LEG, HE REALIZED HE WOULD BE UNABLE TO CLEAR OBSTACLES BETWEEN HIM AND THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TURN INTO THE WIND BUT DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE, AND THE GLIDER LANDED IN A FIELD 'WITH A STRONG RIGHT SIDE DRIFT.' WHEN THE TAIL WHEEL CONTACTED THE GROUND, THE 'SIDE MOTION' CAUSED THE TAIL BOOM TO SEPARATE.

NTSB Probable Cause

WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR THE CROSSWIND. A FACTOR WAS THE CROSSWIND.

Full Narrative

On June 5, 1994, approximately 1330 mountain daylight time, a Glasflugel Standard Libelle, N3992, was substantially damaged during landing at Wellington, Colorado. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The following is based on the pilot/operator report. The glider was towed aloft and released 2,000 feet above the ground. The pilot said that although it was his intention to capture a thermal and climb to a higher altitude, he encountered "strong sink" instead and he decided to return to the gliderport. He entered the traffic pattern at low altitude and when he turned onto the base leg, he realized he would be unable to clear obstacles between him and the runway. The pilot said he attempted to turn into the wind but did not have sufficient altitude, and the glider landed in a field "with a strong right side drift." When the tail wheel contacted the ground, the "side motion" caused the tail boom to separate.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGlasflugel Standard Libelle Standard L
Tail NumberN3992
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 73 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data