Madisonville, TX, USA
N710RJ
SCHEMPP-HIRTH VENTUS-2B
The pilot stated he was unable to maintain enough lift in his glider to return back to the airport. He opted to perform an off-airport landing in a field about two miles short of the runway. During the landing, with a 90-degree crosswind that was approximately 15 to 18 knots, the glider ground-looped and collided with a tree. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the glider.
The pilot stated he was unable to maintain enough lift in his glider to land back at the airport, so he attempted to land in a field about 1.9 miles short of the runway. During the landing, in a 90 degree crosswind that was approximately 15 to 18 knots, the pilot ground looped the glider and collided with a mesquite tree. The tail boom and horizontal stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the glider.
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider while landing in a crosswind.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
