Elbert, CO, USA
N53JC
SCHLEICHER ASW-19B
The pilot reported that after encountering some unexpected wind shear about 10,000 ft mean sea level, he decided to terminate the flight and return to the departure airport. Given the ground wind conditions, the pilot entered a left traffic pattern to the gravel runway. For an unknown reason, the pilot turned final and lined up for landing on an adjacent parallel gravel roadway. The glider touched down normally and impacted a parked trailer with the right wing. The right wing sustained substantial damage to the leading edge. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot’s misidentification of the runway during the visual approach which resulted in an off runway landing and impact with a trailer.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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