Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain lateral control of the glider during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the left wing striking the ground and a subsequent ground loop.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while returning to the airport, the glider descended faster than expected, so he diverted to a field for landing. The glider encountered a wind gust, and the left wing hit the ground. The glider then ground looped to the left.
The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and right aileron.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the wind was from 140°, between about 10 and 20 knots, and gusting. The pilot landed the glider to the south.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA479 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mackay, Idaho
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schleicher ASW 27
- N-number
- N274JM
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1986
- 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.