Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while enroute to his destination, the engine lost all power. He attempted to restart the engine, stowed the engine to reduce drag, and executed a forced landing. During the forced landing, the glider impacted a fence and came to rest upright on a dirt road, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and rudder.
The pilot reported that he ran out of fuel. He stated that he should have used a dipstick to check the fuel level in the wings and not trusted the fuel gauges.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA129 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 15, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kiowa, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Road (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stemme Gmbh & Co S10-VT
- N-number
- N237DB
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 2000
- 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.