Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

Learn from Colorado's accident history to fly safer in the Rockies

2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
← Back to all accidents

Boulder, Colorado

June 27, 2018 · NTSB GAA18CA389 · Schweizer SGS 1 34 (N134BC)
Minor/None
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 solo student pilot reported that, during landing, about 10 ft above ground, the airplane was "hit by a tail gust/downdraft" and the glider landed hard.

The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 8 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 170° at 10 knots, gusting 14 knots. The glider landed on runway 8G. The student pilot’s improper landing flare in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

Case Study & Lessons Learned

Generating educational case study...

NTSB Findings

  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Not attained/maintained - C
  • Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student/instructed pilot - C
  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation
  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Effect on operation

Details

NTSB ReportGAA18CA389
AircraftSchweizer SGS 1 34
RegistrationN134BC
DamageSUBS
FAR Part091
Location40.0392, -105.2264
CPA Mountain Flying Ground School
Corporate Sponsor
Sheltair
Sheltair
All Classifieds Post an Ad