Schleicher ASW 19, N19V0T: Accident occurred May 15, 2016 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Docket And Docket Items -  National Transportation Safety Board:   https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary -  National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N19VT

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Indianapolis FSDO-11

NTSB Identification: GAA16CA244
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, May 16, 2016 in Frankton, IN
Probable Cause Approval Date: 07/14/2016
Aircraft: SCHLEICHER ASW 19, registration: N19VT
Injuries: 1 Minor.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

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.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
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.

MADISON CO., Ind. -- The FAA will be in Madison County on Monday to investigate the crash of a glider.

Deputies were called to the 7200 block of W 700 N shortly before 5pm Sunday.

They found the pilot of the glider,  Richard Smith, 65, Greentown, Ind., lying on the ground.

Smith told deputies that he caught a downdraft and was trying to recover from it but could not.

He said the sailplane hit the ground, nose first, then the right wing caught the ground and knocked him back about 30 feet.  The glider came to rest on its belly.

Smith told deputies he was able to unbuckle himself and get out he glider after it went down.

He was taken to Community Hospital to be treated for a stiff back and minor aches.