N7020P

On November 26, 1994, at 1210 mountain standard time, a Glaser- Dirks DG-600 sailplane, N7020P, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while maneuvering near Alamogordo, New Mexico. The commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

According to the pilot, the sailplane departed in tow at approximately 1130, and was released at an altitude of 9,100 feet. The winds kept blowing the sailplane closer to the ridge, so the pilot elected to reposition to a lower ridge. Control was lost when the sailplane encountered moderate to severe turbulence within a few hundred yards from the ridge. The pilot added that the sailplane entered a one and a half turn spin to the right.

The aircraft recovered in a level attitude. One wing tip struck a tree and the aircraft settled into the trees until impact with the ground. The wreckage was located on the windward side of the Sacramento Mountains at the 8,600 foot level. The accident site was located on the Alamogordo VOR 086 degree radial at 10 miles.

The experimental category sailplane came to rest on the 35 degree slope, on a measured heading of 018 degrees. The pilot exited the aircraft and hiked down the rough terrain for four and a half hours to a nearby dirt road where he was picked up by a hunter and transported to a hospital.