Glider wing strike during ground maneuver at gliderport

Casualties unknown • North Plains, OR, US

A pilot lost control of a glider while maneuvering to avoid a golf cart, resulting in a wing strike against an unmarked pole on a grass runway.

What happened

During operations on a grass runway (270), the pilot-in-command was maneuvering the glider to avoid a bright white golf cart after being alerted by a passenger. During this maneuver, the pilot failed to maintain proper control of the aircraft and deviated from an acceptable track. This deviation resulted in the left wing making contact with a pole.

At the time of the incident, weather conditions consisted of calm winds, heavily overcast gray skies, and light precipitation. The pilot reported that upon feeling the impact, his initial reaction was disbelief because he believed he had successfully avoided the golf cart and had not perceived the presence of the pole.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-06-11 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near North Plains, OR?

A pilot lost control of a glider while maneuvering to avoid a golf cart, resulting in a wing strike against an unmarked pole on a grass runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-06-11 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N65918, operated by Emanuel, Joel, H., at North Plains, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his failure to maintain clearance from a pole. Contributing factors were rain and an overcast which resulted in less than optimal conditions to detect the pole.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10425. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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