Schempp-Hirth DISCUS-2B N41RE accident near Nephi, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed during a wind encounter, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he obtained the wind information at the airport, which was about 10 kts sustained directly down the runway, prior to starting his approach. While on short final, he encountered wind shear at approximately 50 ft above ground level. The pilot closed the spoilers and pushed the flight stick forward to maintain his airspeed with the intention of flying through the wind shear. However, the glider rapidly descended towards the ground and the pilot was unable to arrest the descent before the glider impacted the runway. According to the pilot, his slow airspeed during the landing likely prevented him from arresting his descent.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that could have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA249 for the full record.