Pilot Debrief

EIRIAVION OY PIK-20D near Benton, TN — 2023-01-20

Final reportERA23LA115
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Date
2023-01-20
Location
Benton, TN, USA
Aircraft
EIRIAVION OY PIK-20D
Registration
N1NZ
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to turn toward a mountain ridge in a thermal, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The glider pilot reported that the day was a “good ridge day” and about 45 minutes into the flight he saw two large birds flying in a thermal. He attempted to enter the same thermal that the birds were in, turning towards a mountain ridge, the same direction the birds were circling. The pilot was carried out of the thermal and entered an area of sinking air which resulted in the glider impacting the ridge. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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