Probable cause
The glider pilot’s selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in a collision with a ditch during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
According to the glider pilot, during a glider competition, he passed a "weak frontal system," and lift could not be sustained. He selected a large field for landing, established a traffic pattern, and accomplished a full-stall landing. However, during the landing roll on down-sloping terrain about 40 knots, the glider collided with a ditch.
The glider sustained substantial damage to the tailboom.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA392 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 3, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pomfret, Vermont
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schempp Hirth DISCUS CS
- N-number
- N1122Q
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 2003
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Air show
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.