On October 29, 2005, a Dirks Glaser DG-300 (registration N30AS) was involved in an aviation accident near California City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadvertent retraction of the gear and failure to deploy the spoilers, and his subsequent failure to attain a proper touchdown point. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A glider pilot inadvertently retracted the landing gear instead of deploying spoilers, leading to a high-speed touchdown and intentional ground loop to avoid a berm. The glider was destroyed and the pilot sustained minor injuries.
Incident Overview
A glider pilot executed a high parasite drag maneuver during landing. On approach, the pilot realized the glider would overshoot the first half of the runway and elected to land on the second half. While reaching for the spoiler handle, the pilot mistakenly pulled the gear handle, inadvertently retracting the landing gear.
Touchdown and Evasive Action
The glider touched down on the runway at approximately 70 knots. Fearing a head-on collision with a berm at the end of the runway, the pilot intentionally ground looped the glider. The aircraft struck the berm at a 90-degree angle to the left.
Damage and Injuries
The glider was destroyed in the event. The pilot received minor injuries.
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