Schleicher ASW 19 N19VT

Summary

On 15 May 2016 at about 20:25 local time, a Schleicher ASW 19 registered N19VT was involved in an accident near Frankton, Indiana, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

15 May 2016 at 20:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Frankton, Indiana, United States

Coordinates

40.2094, -85.8086

Aircraft

Schleicher ASW 19

Registration

N19VT

Category

Glider

Year built

1976

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Alexandria → Alexandria

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

GAA16CA244

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's exceedance of the critical angle of attack on final approach in turbulent conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the glider reported that due to the lack of thermals, he decided to land on an off-airport field. The pilot further reported about 20 feet above the ground on final approach he encountered turbulence behind obstacles. Subsequently, the glider entered an aerodynamic stall and impacted terrain in a nose low attitude. The right wing, fuselage, and canopy were substantially damaged. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.