Probable cause
The unstabilized landing approach in gusty wind conditions that resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot stated that the airspeed was too fast on final approach and the glider landed hard and bounced several times before it came to a stop. The glider sustained substantial damage to the front and rear bottom of the fuselage and rudder. The pilot landed the glider on runway 36 with wind gusts to 18 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA324 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 30, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Midlothian, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Mid-Way Regional (JWY)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Grob G102
- N-number
- N3981A
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1983
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.