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November 5, 2016 · Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau DUO Discus · N484KS

Port Matilda, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 5, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Location
Port Matilda, PA
Aircraft
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau DUO Discus (2016)
Tail Number
N484KS
Injuries
None
NTSB Number
GAA17CA063

The pilot of a glider reported that during the landing roll, near the location where he wanted to stop, he felt a "thump." He further reported that he observed a person lying on the ground on the runway and did not see the bystander previously. According to the pilot-rated passenger, who was also the airport manager, the bystander was taking photographs of the glider and had moved onto the runway surface during the landing roll. Subsequently, the bystander was struck by the left wing. He further reported that he also did not see the bystander before the collision. The airport manager reported that the airport had a sign near the runway, which stated "Caution Aircraft Operations." Postaccident, the airport manager reported that he installed cones delineating the boundary of the runway and added an additional sign stating "Remain Behind Cones." The bystander sustained a serious injury. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Operating environment-Airport facilities/design-Runway markings/signage-Awareness of condition

Full Narrative

The pilot of a glider reported that during the landing roll, near the location where he wanted to stop, he felt a "thump." He further reported that he observed a person lying on the ground on the runway and did not see the bystander previously. According to the pilot-rated passenger, who was also the airport manager, the bystander was taking photographs of the glider and had moved onto the runway surface during the landing roll. Subsequently, the bystander was struck by the left wing. He further reported that he also did not see the bystander before the collision. The airport manager reported that the airport had a sign near the runway, which stated "Caution Aircraft Operations." Postaccident, the airport manager reported that he installed cones delineating the boundary of the runway and added an additional sign stating "Remain Behind Cones." The bystander sustained serious injury. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest AirportEagle Field (0nm SW)
Runway24
Runway Length2300 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau DUO Discus
Tail NumberN484KS
Aircraft CategoryGli
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 79 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 61 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 9 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 36 C
Altimeter30.35 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data