Pilot Debrief

Schempp Hirth DISCUS CS near Goldfield, NV — 2018-07-11

Final reportWPR18TA192
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Date
2018-07-11
Location
Goldfield, NV, USA
Aircraft
Schempp Hirth DISCUS CS
Registration
N104TH
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The glider’s encounter with atmospheric lift conditions that were not sufficient to maintain flight, which necessitated a forced landing on uneven terrain.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, during the personal glider flight, the weather conditions deteriorated, so he chose to land the glider at an alternate airport. While attempting to reach the alternate airport, the glider encountered continuous sinking air. When he realized the glider would not reach the alternate airport, the pilot chose to land on a nearby road. Just before touchdown, the right wing impacted a berm that paralleled the road, and the glider subsequently cartwheeled and then came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe that would have precluded normal operation. The glider encountered atmospheric lift conditions that were not sufficient to maintain flight, which necessitated a forced landing on uneven terrain.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land earlier instead of attempting to reach the alternate site.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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