Probable cause
The pilot's improper in-flight planning, which resulted in a low-altitude traffic pattern entry and subsequent collision with telephone wires.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the glider stated that he was returning to the airport at the conclusion of a 1.5-hour flight. The pilot approached the airport at a slow airspeed and a lower-than-normal altitude due to a misinterpretation of the altimeter reading. The pilot continued the approach for landing, and the glider struck telephone wires on the final leg of the traffic pattern. The glider sustained substantial damage to the wing spar and tailboom. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the glider.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA027 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 14, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Benton, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Chilhowee Gliderport (92A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
IS-29D2
- N-number
- N1339X
- Category
- Glider
- 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.