Probable cause
The separation of the canopy from the glider during an off-airport landing for reasons that could not be determined.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the glider reported that, en route to his destination, the glider lost lift, so he diverted to a corn field for landing. During the landing, the glider bounced, and "the canopy popped off of the fuselage" and broke into several pieces.
The glider sustained substantial damage to the canopy.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. Although the pilot said he bumped the canopy during the bounced landing, it could not be determined if that or some other mechanism caused the canopy to separate.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA338 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 10, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Independence, Wisconsin
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Pzl-Swidnik PW-5
- N-number
- N962JH
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1997
- 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.