Amateur-built JS3 RES N37JG accident near Elbert, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing with a right crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The glider pilot reported that during the approach, the wind shifted 180°, and he amended his pattern to land on runway 17. During touchdown, a right crosswind gust lifted the glider, and the right wing contacted tall grass adjacent to the runway. The glider yawed to the right, and the pilot attempted to correct by applying left rudder and aileron. The glider then yawed to the left, and the left wing contacted the tall grass. The glider spun 180° and came to rest upright, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and left aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, he was landing the glider on runway 17 with a 12-knot right crosswind and wind gusts of 23 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA224 for the full record.