Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary WPR12CA278

Bishop, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N3617U

SCHWEIZER SGS 1-36

Analysis

The pilot reported that, after 1.5 hours of soaring, he was en route to the airport when he encountered significant sink (loss of lift) and was forced to land in a pasture about 2 miles from the approach end of the runway. The glider sustained damage to its right wing tip and empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that after 1.5 hours of soaring he was en route back to the airport when he encountered significant sink (loss of lift) and was forced to land in a pasture 2.1 miles northeast of the approach end of the runway. The glider sustained damage to the right wing tip and empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The glider’s encounter with insufficient atmospheric lift to maintain soaring flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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