Probable cause
The glider pilot over-ran the runway and impacted a structure after encountering a strong updraft on short final.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot, was on his first solo in this make and model glider, and reported that while on final approach, with the spoilers extended, the glider encountered a "significant strong thermal updraft", which caused him to float past his intended landing spot. Subsequently the glider over-ran the runway and impacted a structure, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe that would have precluded normal operation
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA098 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mocksville, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Bahnson (43NC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS 1 26B
- N-number
- N8683R
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1963
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.