Glider Appeared To Get “Too Slow” As It Approached The Traffic Pattern Then Entered A Stall/Spin
On December 6, 2024, about 1240 eastern standard time, a Schleicher ASW 24 glider, N244RW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Vero Beach, Florida. The pilot was fatally injured. The glider was owned by a local soaring club and was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot was a seasonal member of the Treasure Coast Soaring Club based at New Hibiscus Airpark (X52), Vero Beach, FL. According to club members, the glider departed X52 about 1140 for a local flight. After about 1 hour, the glider approached the airport at about 1,000 ft above ground level (agl) to en