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NTSB Report
June 20, 2021 · Schweizer SGS 1-35 · N2851H
Wellington, CO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 20, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Wellington, CO
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS 1-35 (1976)
Tail Number
N2851H
Operator
Smith Leonard I Iii
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA281
The glider pilot reported that during base leg to final approach for landing, he lost sight of the runway, forcing him having to maneuver to avoid a house and to perform an off-field landing on rough sloping terrain. The glider impacted the ground hard, ground-looped, and came to rest in a large ditch. The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, rudder, and left wing. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported that this was his first landing at this airport and that he should have flown an orientation flight with another pilot familiar with the airport.
NTSB Probable Cause
The glider pilot’s loss of visual references during the landing approach resulting in an off-airport landing on rough sloping terrain.
Full Narrative
The glider pilot reported that during base leg to final approach for landing, he lost sight of the runway, forcing him having to maneuver to avoid a house and to perform an off-field landing on rough sloping terrain. The glider impacted the ground hard, ground-looped, and came to rest in a large ditch. The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, rudder, and left wing. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported that this was his first landing at this airport and that he should have flown an orientation flight with another pilot familiar with the airport.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchweizer SGS 1-35
Tail NumberN2851H
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSmith Leonard I Iii
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · None · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 F
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC