Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G102 ASTIR CS N137SS accident near Wallis, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control during landing roll that resulted in an impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he intended to land long on the runway and stop at the north end of airport, between a plowed field and a hangar. He stated that there was a right crosswind, which was within the maximum crosswind capability of the glider. During landing and about 10 feet or less above the runway, the pilot closed the air brakes and allowed ground effect to enable the glider to reach the planned touchdown point. During landing rollout, he made use of minimal speed brakes to keep the glider rolling. As the glider approached the plowed field, he applied left rudder and inadvertently lowered the left wing. Within a few seconds, the glider made a sharp left turn, which the pilot could not remediate with corrective control input. The glider sustained substantial damage to the left and right wings. There were no mechanical anomalies with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by keeping the wings level during landing rollout and by not extending the ground roll into area of the plowed field and hangar.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA018 for the full record.