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NTSB Report
May 12, 2013 · Pdps Pzl-Bielsko SZD-55-1 · N81799
Henderson, NC
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Henderson, NC
Aircraft
Pdps Pzl-Bielsko SZD-55-1
Tail Number
N81799
Operator
Zlatko Sitar
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA13CA272
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.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Attain/maintain not possible - C
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.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:25 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPdps Pzl-Bielsko SZD-55-1
Tail NumberN81799
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorZlatko Sitar
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · None · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 6 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 37 C
Altimeter29.89 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC