Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard bounced landing in a dust devil.
NTSB analysis
**This report was modified on November 15, 2023. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.**
The pilot of the glider reported that, during the landing flare, a dust devil pushed the glider to the ground, causing a hard landing. The glider bounced and then stalled, making another hard impact on the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage cage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA182 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 2, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marana, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- El Tiro (AZ67)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schempp-Hirth DISCUS-2B
- N-number
- N774JP
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.