Aircraft wing strike during approach at glider runway

Casualties unknown • Llano, CA, US

A student pilot's aircraft struck a fence post after being blown across a boundary fence during the transition to final approach.

What happened

Prior to entering the traffic pattern, the student pilot assessed wind conditions using the midfield tetrahedron and windsock. The observed wind was approximately 340 degrees at 10 miles per hour, which placed it at a right angle to runway 7R.

The pilot entered a standard 45-degree approach from the northeast and subsequently initiated a left 90-degree turn onto the base leg while experiencing a tailwind. While transitioning to the final approach sequence, the pilot monitored the centerline of the glider runway.

During the rollout onto the final approach, wind conditions caused the aircraft to be blown across the southern boundary fence. As the aircraft crossed back over the fence line, the left wing made contact with a fence post.

Probable cause

The aircraft was blown across the southern boundary fence during the transition to final approach, resulting in the left wing striking a fence post.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-12 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Llano, CA?

A student pilot's aircraft struck a fence post after being blown across a boundary fence during the transition to final approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-12 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N2037T, operated by Civil Air Patrol Squadron 41, at Llano, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was blown across the southern boundary fence during the transition to final approach, resulting in the left wing striking a fence post.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07756. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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