Casualties unknown

2000-05-24: Let L 33 SOLO (N5711) — Caesar Creek Soaring Club — Waynesville, OH

Waynesville, OH, US

On May 24, 2000, a Let L 33 SOLO (registration N5711) operated by Caesar Creek Soaring Club was involved in an aviation accident near Waynesville, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to perform an excess energy approach to compensate for strong headwinds and his failure to correctly flare the glider, resulting in a pilot-induced oscillation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A glider sustained substantial damage after the pilot performed an excess energy approach and failed to flare correctly, causing a pilot-induced oscillation and ground impact.

Accident Overview

A glider was substantially damaged when it struck the ground during a landing attempt. The pilot reported that the accident occurred following an approach conducted with excess energy intended to compensate for strong headwinds. The pilot further stated that he failed to perform a correct flare, which led to a pilot-induced oscillation that resulted in the glider impacting the terrain.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had accumulated a total of 2 hours of flight experience in the make and model of the accident glider. No further information regarding the pilot's total flight time or qualifications was provided.

Wind Conditions

At an airport located approximately 10 miles from the accident site, the reported wind conditions were from 250 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot indicated that these strong headwinds prompted the decision to fly an excess energy approach.

Damage

The glider sustained substantial damage as a result of the ground impact. The extent of damage to specific components was not detailed in the report.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to perform an excess energy approach to compensate for strong headwinds and his failure to correctly flare the glider, resulting in a pilot-induced oscillation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21111. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.