Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent rate during an off-airport landing.
NTSB analysis
The glider was being air towed by an airplane. The glider pilot reported that, the takeoff roll and liftoff were normal, but halfway down the runway, he heard an “unfamiliar wind noise in the cockpit.” He lost sight of the tow airplane and pulled his tow release handle. The pilot attempted to land straight ahead but was unsuccessful in deploying the airbrakes. Subsequently, he turned right to land between a hanger and trees. During the forced landing in a grass field, the empennage section sustained substantial damage.
The glider pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA363 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 7, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Waller, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Soaring Club Of Houston Glider (89TA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schleicher ASW-20B
- N-number
- N921M
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1983
- 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.