Probable cause
The student pilot's improper control inputs which resulted in the inadvertent stall of the glider.
NTSB analysis
The glider pilot, who was a certificated flight instructor (CFI), reported that he was following the student pilot on the controls during the takeoff climb. He observed the tow plane rock its wings indicating to the glider to “wave off”. The CFI took control of the glider and stated, “It’s my airplane.” He released the tow line, turned 180 degrees to return to the airport, and lowered the nose to increase aircraft energy. The student felt they were too low to the ground and panicked. The student pilot grabbed the controls and pulled back on the stick. The CFI could not overpower the student on the controls and the airplane started to spin left. He picked up the left wing by applying opposite rudder. The glider impacted a tractor dealer’s parking lot. The inspection of the glider revealed that it sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. No pre-impact anomalies were noted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA035 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 1, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Middlefield, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Geauga County Airport (7G8)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
L-13
- N-number
- N1142
- 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.