Event ERA25LA009

Factual narrative

The glider pilot reported the purpose of the flight was to work on landings, so he requested a “pattern tow” from the tow pilot. He released the towline on a 45° entry to the downwind leg and proceeded to fly a standard right-hand traffic pattern. The pilot stated that he kept his airbrakes in the “mostly closed” position from the final approach segment through landing. Upon touching down short of his intended aim point, the pilot reported that the glider bounced and entered a pilot-induced-oscillation, bouncing a few more times down the runway, and resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or F (Factor).

• — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained