SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A near Hood River, OR — 2013-07-20

Probable cause

The glider encountered atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in an off airport landing on rough terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that the glider was 2 miles from the airport on an extended base leg, when it encountered a loss of lift. He could not make it to the runway, so he landed off airport in a field, which was too short for a normal rollout. The pilot intentionally ground-looped the glider to avoid a fence, but the terrain was rough, and the fuselage and right wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of lift · Approach-VFR pattern base

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

Related mishaps

• HPH SPOL SRO GLASFLUGEL 304 MS

  2022-06-09 · Rifle, CO · 1 fatality

• LET L-23 SUPER BLANIK

  2010-08-28 · Socorro, NM