Ab Sportine Aviacija LAK-17A N391BA accident near Middletown, New York

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusty winds, which resulted in a loss of adequate airspeed and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.

NTSB analysis

The pilot described entering the traffic pattern to land on the grass adjacent to runway 26. The pilot reported that wind was out of the northwest at about 15 knots gusting to about 20 knots. The pilot said that “There was moderate turbulence on downwind which increased on base and final. The glider stalled about 8 feet above touchdown due to insufficient speed for the conditions and landed hard, breaking the tail boom… My speed on base and final was insufficient for the conditions.” The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies or mechanical problems with the glider.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA320 for the full record.