Alexander Schleicher Gmbh & Co ASH 30 MI N307BE accident near Santa Barbara, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain taxiway centerline while taxiing off the runway which resulted in a left-wing strike with a runway direction sign.

NTSB analysis

The glider pilot reported that he continued the rollout and maneuvered the 87-foot-wide glider onto the taxiway shortly after landing on a 75-foot-wide runway. Subsequently, the left wing struck a runway direction sign and sustained substantial damage. The pilot further reported that he should have stopped the glider completely on the runway and confirmed that he was centerline while maneuvering off the runway.

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

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA192 for the full record.