Probable cause
The pilot's decision to divert to the private airport and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control while landing on a turf runway that contained tall grass.
NTSB analysis
The glider pilot reported that due to a weakening of soaring updraft conditions he diverted from his original destination to another airport that he had landed at on previous occasions. While on short final, the pilot noticed the turf runway had not been mowed recently. During the landing rollout, due to long grass blocking his field of view, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the glider impacted a fence to the left of the runway, damaging the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The diversion airport was a private airport that required prior approval for landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA218 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 4, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Alvarado, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Luscombe Acres (6XS2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Glasflugel MOSQUITO
- N-number
- N24HC
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.