31 May 2009: AB SPORTINE AVIACIJA LAK-17A

31 May 2009: AB SPORTINE AVIACIJA LAK-17A — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Middletown, NY, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusty winds, which resulted in a loss of adequate airspeed and a subsequent aerodynamic stall.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot described entering the traffic pattern to land on the grass, which was adjacent to runway 26. The wind was out of the northwest at about 15 knots gusting to about 20 knots. The pilot said “There was moderate turbulence on downwind which increased on base and final. The glider stalled about 8 feet above touchdown due to insufficient speed for the conditions and landed hard, breaking the tail boom… My speed on base and final was insufficient for the conditions.” The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies or mechanical problems with the glider.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Ability to respond/compensate

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 270/11kt, vis 10sm

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