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NTSB: Glider Hit Headwind, Downdraft Before Crash

WELLINGTON, Colo. (AP) - Aviation investigators say the pilot of a glider that crashed near Wellington on Jan. 29 reported hitting a strong downdraft and headwinds as he was approaching a runway.

Larimer County deputies said at the time that two people were injured.

A National Transportation Safety Board report released this week says the home-built glider landed about 500 feet short of the runway.

The NTSB says the pilot, Robert B. Palmer of Greeley, told investigators he intended to land on one runway but chose another when he saw a second glider waiting to take off from the first runway.

The NTSB says the glider suffered substantial damage to its fuselage and right wing.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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