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NTSB Report

July 26, 2009 · Glasflugel Standard Libelle · N3872

Faribault, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Faribault, MN
Aircraft
Glasflugel Standard Libelle
Tail Number
N3872
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA475

The pilot reported no anomalies with the glider's flight controls during the preflight inspections that preceded two flights on the day of the accident. The first flight was 40 minutes in duration and no anomalies were noted with the glider. The second flight, which was the accident flight, was about 2 1/2 hours in duration. When the pilot completed a before-landing check of the dive brakes, the closure of the dive brakes was normal. During the downwind leg of the approach, the dive brakes were extended and locked in place. The pilot stated that during the dive brake extension, they "seemed difficult to open, as sometimes happens" in the accident glider. The pilot stated that the dive brakes could not be retracted during the approach and that she had to fly a closer traffic pattern to land on the runway, resulting in a steep approach. The right wing tip struck the ground and the glider experienced a hard landing on the grass landing area adjacent to Runway 30. Damage to the glider included a fuselage separation several feet forward of the empennage, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident photos of the glider show the dive brakes retracted. The pilot received minor injuries. The pilot stated the dive brakes operated normally after the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported no anomalies with the glider's flight controls during preflight inspections that preceded two flights on the day of the accident. The first flight was 40 minutes in duration and no anomalies were noted with the glider. The second flight, which was the accident flight, was about 2 1/2 hours in duration during which the the pilot completed a before landing check of the dive brakes. The closure of the dive brakes during the check was described as normal. During the downwind leg of the approach, the dive brakes were extended and locked in place. The pilot stated that during the dive brake extension, they "seemed difficult to open, as sometimes happens" in the accident glider. The pilot stated the dive brakes could not be retracted during the approach and that she had to fly a closer traffic pattern to land on the runway resulting in a steep approach. The right wing tip struck the ground and the glider experienced a hard landing on the grass landing area adjacent to runway 30. Damage to the glider included a fuselage separation several feet forward of the empennage and towards the lateral direction resulting in substantial damage. Post accident photos of the glider show the dive brakes retracted. The pilot received minor injuries. The pilot stated the dive brakes operated normally after the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:25 CDT
Nearest AirportFaribault Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway30
Runway Length4254 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGlasflugel Standard Libelle
Tail NumberN3872
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data