Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he maintained excessive airspeed during the final approach to landing and the glider bounced (in what he described as a pilot-induced oscillation) after the initial touchdown. The landing gear collapsed on the third bounce, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that the glider had no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the landing.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he maintained excessive airspeed during the final approach to landing and the glider bounced during the initial touchdown. The glider bounced two more times and the landing gear collapsed on the third bounce which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that the glider did not have a mechanical malfunction prior to the landing.