Pilot Debrief

SCHEMPP HIRTH NIMBUS II near Redmond, OR — 2012-07-13

Final reportWPR12CA304
Sign in to save
Date
2012-07-13
Location
Redmond, OR, USA
Airport
BDN
Aircraft
SCHEMPP HIRTH NIMBUS II
Registration
N96132
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of aerodynamic lift that resulted in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, his glider was towed to an altitude of 6,000 feet above mean sea level (msl), which was about 2,600 feet above ground level, and released. The glider achieved an altitude of 7,500 feet msl, and the pilot continued to an area that he normally used for soaring. Once he reached the location, he realized the glider was too low to glide back to the airport and that in order to get to the next available safe field for landing the glider would have to cross a tree line. Upon approach to the trees, the pilot did not think the glider would be able to clear them, so he set up his approach for landing onto a road adjacent to the tree line. On the landing roll the glider’s right wing struck a tree. The pilot reported that the right wing was damaged and that the tail boom had separated. He also stated that there were no mechanical problems with the glider prior to the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

Related mishaps