Probable cause
A loss of aerodynamic lift that resulted in a forced landing to unsuitable terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he had been soaring in his glider for approximately 3 hours. While returning to the airport, the glider encountered a sink and had descended 2,500 feet before the pilot was able to find a more favorable air mass. At that time, the glider was too low to fly to the airport and the pilot elected to land in a field. While on final approach, the pilot noticed that the field had deep ruts; however, he was committed to landing at that point. During the landing, the left wing struck a rut and the glider ground-looped, which partially separated the tailboom. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the glider.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA272 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 12, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Henderson, North Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SZD-55-1
- N-number
- N81799
- 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.