Schweizer SGS 1-26B N8657R accident near Ontario, Oregon

Probable cause

The pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the final approach to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The glider pilot was on a local flight and returning to a local airport to land. While the pilot maneuvered the airplane onto the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, the airplane descended. Subsequently, the right wing dropped and impacted the ground 0.5 miles short of the runway. The right wing sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported to the insurance company that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA144 for the full record.