Probable cause
The glider pilot’s misjudgment while approaching to land, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
NTSB analysis
The glider pilot reported he was returning to land when he noticed another glider waiting for departure on the runway. He elected to land instead on another runway that required that he fly further. The pilot said that he turned on the base leg of the traffic pattern too far away from the intended runway and that he did not anticipate the substantial downdraft and very strong headwind that he encountered on final approach. The glider landed approximately 500 feet short of the intended runway and impacted terrain and a railroad embankment, causing substantial damage to the glider's fuselage and right wing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA166 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 29, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wellington, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Owl Canyon Gliderport (4CO2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SOLITARE
- N-number
- N15XP
- 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.