Loss of Control on Ground: Glasflügel Mosquito N24HC; accident occurred June 04, 2020 at Alvarado, Johnson County, Texas

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Irving, Texas

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

https://registry.faa.gov/N24HC

Location: Alvarado, TX
Accident Number: CEN20CA218
Date & Time: 06/04/2020, 1715 CDT
Registration: N24HC
Aircraft: Glasflugel MOSQUITO
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

The glider pilot reported diverting from his original destination due to a weakening of soaring updraft conditions. While on short final to the divert airport that he had landed at on previous occasions, the pilot noticed the turf runway had not been mowed recently. During the landing rollout, due to long grass blocking his field of view, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the glider impacted a fence to the left of the runway, damaging the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The divert airport was private and required prior approval for landing. The pilot recommended that soaring clubs periodically check airports in their area to ensure runway conditions are suitable for a diversion. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 65, Male
Airplane Rating(s):None 
Seat Occupied:Center 
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used:
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/27/2019
Flight Time:  457 hours (Total, all aircraft), 211 hours (Total, this make and model), 425 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 3 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Glasflugel
Registration: N24HC
Model/Series: MOSQUITO Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Glider
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 54
Landing Gear Type: Retractable -
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 11/09/2019, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 992 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 0
Airframe Total Time: 1390 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCPT, 854 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 12 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1715 CDT
Direction from Accident Site: 272°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 11 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 150°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.84 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 22°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Midlothian, TX (TA11)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Midlothian, TX (TA11)
Type of Clearance:None 
Departure Time: 1340 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Luscombe Acres (6XS2)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 700 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Vegetation
Runway Used: 20
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 1650 ft / 80 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.346111, -97.198611 (est)