Pilot Debrief

ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER GMBH & CO ASH 31 MI near Williams, CA — 2026-04-13

Investigation ongoingWPR26LA158
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Date
2026-04-13
Location
Williams, CA, USA
Airport
CN12
Aircraft
ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER GMBH & CO ASH 31 MI
Registration
N77UK
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On April 13, 2026, about 1051 Pacific standard time, an experimental Alexander Schleicher GMBH and Co., Ash 31 Mi Glider, N77UK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Williams, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed from Williams Gliderport (CN12), Williams, California, in the self-launching motorglider. During climbout, about 200 ft above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot verified that the emergency fuel pump was on and then reviewed his landing options. There were power lines straight ahead, so he opted to perform a right turn back to the runway. However, during the turn, the right wingtip struck terrain. Subsequently, the glider’s nose and main gear impacted a plowed field and resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. Witnesses located at the airport reported observing the glider depart uneventfully until it passed behind a hangar and was no longer visible. Shortly thereafter, the witnesses observed the glider again in a steep right turn. The glider was recovered for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Initial climb
  • Loss of Thrust on Takeoff
View NTSB preliminary report

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