NTSB Factual Report

On August 8, 2004, at 1546 central daylight time, a Glasflugel H301 glider, N25KD, sustained substantial damage during an off airport landing to a field near Hutchinson, Kansas. The pilot received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight departed the Sunflower Aerodrome (SN76), Hutchinson, Kansas, at 1501 on a local soaring flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that he had been towed to 2,000 feet above ground level (agl). He was trying to find lift but he reported that the lift was "choppy and broken, difficult to center and work." His altitude was 1,500 feet agl when he was four miles northwest of the field. He attempted to fly back to the airport but he encountered turbulence and loss of lift. He reported that he decided to land in a field when his altitude was 800 feet agl. He lowered the landing gear and put in full flaps and set up for landing in a green field. When he recognized the field was a crop he turned toward a dirt field, but he encountered "heavy sink and turbulence." He reported that he leveled the wings prior to landing but landed hard. The glider skidded to a stop after traveling about 75-100 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to change the landing area at a low altitude and the inadequate flare that resulted in a hard landing.