Glider excursion following ineffective slip during landing

Casualties unknown • Sterling, MA, US

A glider experienced a runway excursion and subsequent secondary impact with road signs after the pilot attempted to use a slip for the final approach.

What happened

The pilot was operating a glider in a right traffic pattern for Runway 16. During the downwind leg, at the midfield point, the aircraft was at an altitude of 1,000 feet when the pilot extended the spoilers. The base leg of the pattern was completed at approximately 700 feet above the ground.

Upon turning onto final approach, the pilot attempted to initiate a slip by applying left rudder and keeping the right wing down. After determining that the initial slip was ineffective, the pilot leveled the wings momentarily before re-entering the slip.

The aircraft touched down approximately 90% down the runway and continued past the end of the paved surface. The glider then became airborne a second time, turned to the right, and made a subsequent touchdown on a road. During this phase, the glider struck several road signs with both wings before rotating 180 degrees and coming to a stop. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to use an ineffective slip during the final approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-05-29 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Sterling, MA?

A glider experienced a runway excursion and subsequent secondary impact with road signs after the pilot attempted to use a slip for the final approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-05-29 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N1225S, at Sterling, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to use an ineffective slip during the final approach.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21022. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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