Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilots encounter with an unexpected downdraft.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On April 25, 1998, at 1330 eastern daylight time, a MASAK Scimitar, N102PX, a home built glider, was substantially damaged during an off airport landing to a field near Hardscrabble, Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated from Ridge Soaring Glider Port, Julian, Pennsylvania, approximately 1220. No flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 the pilot stated, "I was ridge soaring the Appalachian Mountains and encountered some unexpected wave down wash from the upwind plateau." The pilot also stated, he had to make an emergency landing in a very short field (400-500 feet), and ground loop the glider to avoid hitting a tree.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC98LA098