NTSB Factual Report

On July 21, 2002, approximately 1730 central daylight time, a Schempp-Hirth K.G. Nimbus-2C glider, N141SF, sustained substantial damaged when it encountered high vegetation during the landing roll on a grass airstrip at the private FLF Gliderport, Briggs, Texas. The commercial pilot, sole occupant and registered owner of the glider, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed the FLF Gliderport, approximately 1310.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that he had completed a 4.3 hour flight. During the landing roll on runway 16 (4,500 feet in length and 300 feet in width), the right wing dropped and struck the tall grass adjacent to the runway. Subsequently, the glider ground-looped and came to rest on a 340 degree magnetic heading. The tailboom was fractured at the leading edge of the stabilizer. The pilot stated the wind was approximately 3 to 5 knots from the south.

In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 "Recommendation (How Could This Have Been Prevented)" section, the pilot reported the following, "1. Avoid tall grass on landing, 2. Make wheel landing with sufficient airspeed margin to allow selection of negative flap position to retain aileron authority as long as possible on roll out."

The wing span of the glider was approximately 66 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the high grass during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.