Pilot Debrief

SCHLEICHER ASW 20B near Logan, UT — 2015-08-02

Final reportWPR15LA232
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Date
2015-08-02
Location
Logan, UT, USA
Airport
LGU
Aircraft
SCHLEICHER ASW 20B
Registration
N20YZ
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain glider control when it encountered a strong downdraft while maneuvering near a ridgeline.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was participating in a mountain flying training course when the glider encountered a strong downdraft while maneuvering near a mountain ridge and lost lift. The pilot was unable to arrest the glider's descent rate, and the left wing impacted a tree. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided strong downdraft near mountain ridge.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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