Summary
On August 16, 1997, a Laister LP-49 (N40NH) was involved in an accident near North Plains, OR. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's selection of an inadequate landing site, and his failure to adequately plan his return glide back to his home gliderport. A factor contributing to the accident was rough terrain.
On August 16, 1997, about 1630 Pacific daylight time, N40NH, a Laister LP-49 glider, registered to the owner/pilot, collided with terrain during landing in North Plains, Oregon, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight departed from North Plains about 1515 and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector from Hillsboro, Oregon, the pilot was attempting to land back at the gliderport, but was forced to land in an open field located about one-quarter mile away.
This accident is documented in NTSB report SEA97LA190. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N40NH.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of an inadequate landing site, and his failure to adequately plan his return glide back to his home gliderport. A factor contributing to the accident was rough terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 16, 1997, about 1630 Pacific daylight time, N40NH, a Laister LP-49 glider, registered to the owner/pilot, collided with terrain during landing in North Plains, Oregon, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight departed from North Plains about 1515 and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector from Hillsboro, Oregon, the pilot was attempting to land back at the gliderport, but was forced to land in an open field located about one-quarter mile away. During the landing, the glider impacted terrain, tumbled, and was substantially damaged.
According to a written statement (attached) sent to the Safety Board, the pilot stated that he "...should have... selected appropriate land-out field when [altitude above the ground] reached 1500 [feet]. Instead, pilot attempted to reach "home" field." The pilot also reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA97LA190