Schleicher ASK-21 N341KS accident near Front Royal, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent improper recovery from a hard, bounced landing.

NTSB analysis

The glider pilot reported the purpose of the flight was to work on landings, so he requested a “pattern tow” from the tow pilot. He released the towline on a 45° entry to the downwind leg and proceeded to fly a standard right-hand traffic pattern. The pilot stated that he kept his airbrakes in the “mostly closed” position from the final approach segment through landing. Upon touching down short of his intended aim point, the pilot reported that the glider bounced and entered a pilot-induced-oscillation, bouncing a few more times down the runway, and resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA009 for the full record.