Primary finding
Probable cause
the downdraft experienced during final approach and altitude/clearance from the fence post not being maintained by the pilot. A factor to the accident was the fence post.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While on final approach the glider experienced higher than expected sink and the glider impacted a fence-post short of the runway.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 1, 2000, at 1530 eastern daylight time, a Schleicher K8B glider, N885D, piloted by a student pilot, sustained substantial damage during an in-flight collision with a fence-post while on final approach to runway 18 (2,465 feet by 100 feet, dry/turf) at the Rossettie Airport, Manchester, Michigan. Visual metrological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The solo flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The local flight departed the Rossettie Airport, at an undetermined time. According to the student pilot's written statement, "Normal pattern approach[,] turned final with approx [approximately] 400 ft agl [feet above ground level], set spoilers for glide path & angle of descent. Encountered heavy sink, CDIT [controlled descent into terrain]."