WPR11CA338

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that he was turning the glider from base to final at about 400 feet with full flaps and spoilers extended. On final about 100 feet above the ground, the pilot decided to change his flap setting from 20 degrees to 10 degrees as there was a cross wind. When he went to move the flap handle, the handle slipped from his hand and instantly changed the flaps to 10 degrees, which caused the glider to lose lift and nose down. The pilot then pulled back on the controls which caused the glider to stall and collide with the ground. The glider was substantially damaged and the pilot was seriously injured during the accident. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions of failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he turned from the base leg to final approach at about 400 feet with full flaps and spoilers extended. On final approach about 100 feet above the ground, he decided to change the flap setting from 20 degrees to 10 degrees as there was a crosswind. He said that as he tried to move the flap handle, the handle slipped from his hand and instantly changed the flaps to 10 degrees, which resulted in the glider losing lift and nosed down. He pulled back on the controls, but the glider stalled and collided with the ground resulting in substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or the engine that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action selection-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Wing structure-Trailing edge flaps-Unintentional use/operation - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Pitch control-Incorrect use/operation - C