Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider while landing in a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA495 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 20, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Madisonville, Texas
- Nearest airport
- None (None)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schempp-Hirth VENTUS-2B
- N-number
- N710RJ
- Category
- Glider
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.