Pdps Pzl-Bielsko SZD 55-1 N817V accident near Mocksville, North Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The glider pilot reported that, during landing in gusting wind conditions, the glider bounced, so the pilot added "more spoiler" to help the glider settle back onto the ground. He added that a wind gust "rotated" the glider to the left, and the glider bounced about 3 to 4 ft. After the second bounce, the glider landed hard "with the nose yawed to the left."

The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

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

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located 16 nautical miles east of the accident airport reported that, about 40 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 30° at 17 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was from 360° at 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The glider landed on runway 1.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA456 for the full record.