Probable cause
The glider pilot's decision to perform a low-altitude 360-degree turn while on final approach to land.
NTSB analysis
The glider pilot entered a right downwind and turned right base, then to final to land north at the airport. He noticed the tow plane on the runway taking off to the south. The pilot elected to make an abrupt right 360 degree turn at about 80 feet above ground level and contacted trees. The glider was destroyed and the pilot sustained serious injuries.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA434 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Durango, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Val Air Airport (CD82)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Pdps Pzl-Bielsko SZD-59
- N-number
- N592JD
- Category
- Glider
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.