On 12 Jun 2012, a STEMME GMBH & CO S10-VT operated by George Klopfer was involved in an aviation accident near Warner Springs, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots’ failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusting crosswind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A glider experienced a ground loop during a flight review after the left wing struck the ground due to a left crosswind, resulting in structural damage including tail boom separation and landing gear collapse.
Narrative
The accident occurred while the pilot was completing a flight review. According to the report, the pilot's flight review had expired several years prior. Before the review flight, the pilot had received several hours of instruction from a certified flight instructor. The approach and landing were proceeding normally until the final phase, when a left crosswind caused the glider to become unstable. This instability resulted in the glider's left wing contacting the ground, which precipitated a ground loop. During the ground loop, the tail boom separated, the main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing was damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotInstructor/check pilot