Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain distance with an airport sign while taxiing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel equipped glider reported that, after landing, he taxied off the runway onto a ramp area. A business jet was being towed by a tug on the taxiway he normally used to get to his hangar. The ground controller issued the pilot instructions to pass by the jet and turn right. The tail-low configuration of the glider made the pilot’s visibility limited while taxiing. During the turn, the glider’s right wing collided with an airport sign, substantially damaging the composite structure. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA042 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 18, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carlsbad, California
- Nearest airport
- Mc Clellan-Palomar (CRQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
U-15 PHOENIX
- N-number
- N44DY
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 2010
- 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.