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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 8, 2004 · Glasflugel H301 · N25KD

Hutchinson, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 8, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hutchinson, KS
Aircraft
Glasflugel H301
Tail Number
N25KD
Operator
Richard Stone
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04CA216

The glider sustained substantial damage when it landed hard during an off airport landing to a field. The pilot reported that he had been towed to 2,000 feet above ground level (agl). He was trying to find lift but he reported that the lift was "choppy and broken, difficult to center and work." His altitude was 1,500 feet agl when he was four miles northwest of the field. He attempted to fly back to the airport but he encountered turbulence and loss of lift. He decided to land in a field when his altitude was 800 feet agl. He lowered the landing gear and put in full flaps and set up for landing in a green field. When he recognized the field was a crop he turned toward a dirt field, but he encountered "heavy sink and turbulence." He reported that he leveled the wings prior to landing but landed hard. The glider skidded to a stop after traveling about 75-100 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to change the landing area at a low altitude and the inadequate flare that resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

On August 8, 2004, at 1546 central daylight time, a Glasflugel H301 glider, N25KD, sustained substantial damage during an off airport landing to a field near Hutchinson, Kansas. The pilot received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight departed the Sunflower Aerodrome (SN76), Hutchinson, Kansas, at 1501 on a local soaring flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he had been towed to 2,000 feet above ground level (agl). He was trying to find lift but he reported that the lift was "choppy and broken, difficult to center and work." His altitude was 1,500 feet agl when he was four miles northwest of the field. He attempted to fly back to the airport but he encountered turbulence and loss of lift. He reported that he decided to land in a field when his altitude was 800 feet agl. He lowered the landing gear and put in full flaps and set up for landing in a green field. When he recognized the field was a crop he turned toward a dirt field, but he encountered "heavy sink and turbulence." He reported that he leveled the wings prior to landing but landed hard. The glider skidded to a stop after traveling about 75-100 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:46 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftGlasflugel H301
Tail NumberN25KD
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRichard Stone
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 12 kt, gusting 21 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time15:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data