Pilot Debrief

LITHUANIAN FACTORY OF AVIATION LAK 12 near Sunriver, OR — 2018-03-20

Final reportGAA18CA172
Sign in to save
Date
2018-03-20
Location
Sunriver, OR, USA
Aircraft
LITHUANIAN FACTORY OF AVIATION LAK 12
Registration
N63010
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The glider pilot's inadequate flight planning, which resulted in an off-airport landing.

NTSB narrative

The glider pilot reported that, at 8,800 ft, he encountered a strong sink rate of about 400-600 ft per minute. He added that he was unable to find any thermals and decided to head towards a nearby airport to land. He soon realized that he would not be able to reach the airport and chose to land on a highway instead. During landing, the wings struck road signs and came to rest on the right side of the highway. The glider sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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

Related mishaps