Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

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2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
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Durango, Colorado

July 12, 2009 · NTSB CEN09CA434 · PDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-59 (N592JD)
Serious Injury
Note: This analysis may be based on NTSB preliminary reports, which represent an initial, incomplete investigation. Facts can change as the investigation progresses, and preliminary findings should not be assumed to be accurate or final. For older events, a final NTSB report may have been issued — always consult the NTSB Aviation Query for the authoritative record.

NTSB Narrative

The glider pilot entered a right downwind and turned right base, then to final to land north at the Airport. He noticed the tow plane on the runway taking off south bound. The pilot elected to make an abrupt right 360 degree turn at about 80 feet above ground level and contacted trees. The glider was destroyed and the pilot sustained serious non life threatening injuries. The glider pilot's decision to perform a low-altitude 360-degree turn while on final approach to land.

Case Study & Lessons Learned

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NTSB Findings

  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Climb capability-Attain/maintain not possible
  • Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Effect on operation
  • Environmental issues-Operating environment-Air traffic/operating proc-Traffic congestion-Effect on operation
  • Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C

Details

NTSB ReportCEN09CA434
AircraftPDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-59
RegistrationN592JD
DamageDEST
FAR Part091
Location37.3364, -107.8511
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