NTSB Factual Report

On April 26, 2003, approximately 1350 Pacific daylight time, a Schempp-Hirth Cirrus glider, N3839, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with the terrain while on final approach for landing at Ephrata Municipal, Ephrata, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The glider was substantially damaged and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The flight originated from Ephrata at 1300.

During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that while returning to the airport for landing, he entered the traffic pattern downwind leg about one mile southwest of the airport after encountering "strong sinking air." The pilot stated that he flew a faster and lower than normal pattern, with "an abbreviated base to final in order to shorten the distance to the landing area." During the round out for final approach, approximately 10 feet above ground level, he deployed the spoilers. The pilot was unsure if the airspeed was too low, or there was a gust of wind, when the right wing dropped and struck the ground. The glider pivoted to the right followed by the tail striking the ground. The pilot reported that the side loading applied to the landing gear resulted in substantial damage to the steel tubing structure and a puncture in the right wing skin.

The 1353 Ephrata surface weather observation was reporting winds from 310 degrees at nine knots. The sky was clear with 10 miles visibility. The temperature was 10 degrees Celsius.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while on final approach for landing. Low airspeed was a factor.