Glider Overran The Departure End Of The Runway And Impacted Terrain

Location: Hampshire, Illinois Accident Number: CEN25LA202
Date & Time: June 1, 2025, 15:00 Local Registration: N9839E
Aircraft: Schweizer SGS 1-26C Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Runway excursion Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that while maneuvering the glider for landing on runway 27, he encountered unexpected lift and then used a side slip maneuver to descend. He descended too low to continue the approach, so he maneuvered to land on runway 9 and landed about two-thirds of the way down the runway. The glider overran the departure end of the runway and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper altitude during the approach, which resulted in overshooting the landing area, a runway excursion, and impact with terrain.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov