Casualties unknown

Glider Stalls and Impacts Field During Attempted Landing (N18SZ)

Cherry Valley, AR, US

On April 4, 2004, a Pdps Pzl-bielsko SZD-50-3 (registration N18SZ) was involved in an aviation accident near Cherry Valley, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot allowed the airspeed to get too slow, resulting in a stall and spin at about 30 feet AGL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A glider stalled and crashed while attempting to land in a field after the pilot extended the downwind leg to avoid traffic on the runway. The pilot reported allowing airspeed to get too slow.

Circumstances

A glider pilot was approaching a gliderport for landing. During the downwind leg, the pilot observed another glider and a tow airplane on the runway. To allow them to depart, the pilot extended the downwind leg.

Sequence of Events

After turning onto final approach for the runway, the glider encountered an unexpected headwind. While on final approach, the pilot noticed a row of trees ahead that he assessed he would not be able to clear. The pilot then turned the glider to the right and initiated a landing to an adjacent field.

During the attempted landing, the pilot later stated, "[The pilot] allowed the airspeed to get too slow." At an altitude of about 30 feet above ground level, the glider stalled, spun to the right, and impacted the terrain.

Probable Cause

The pilot allowed the airspeed to get too slow, resulting in a stall and spin at about 30 feet AGL.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Apr 2004 Pdps Pzl-bielsko SZD-50-3 accident near Cherry Valley, AR?

A glider stalled and crashed while attempting to land in a field after the pilot extended the downwind leg to avoid traffic on the runway. The pilot reported allowing airspeed to get too slow.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Apr 2004 involved a Pdps Pzl-bielsko SZD-50-3, registration N18SZ, at Cherry Valley, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot allowed the airspeed to get too slow, resulting in a stall and spin at about 30 feet AGL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040406X00422. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.