Summary
On July 14, 1998, a Rolladen-schneider LS 4A (N41MN) was involved in an incident near Salina, UT. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain to conduct a landing. Contributing was the loss of thermal lift and high vegetation.
On July 14, 1998, approximately 1755 mountain daylight time, a Rolladen-Schneider LS 4A, N41MN, was substantially damaged during landing roll in an open field near Salina, Utah. The private pilot, the sole occupant onboard, was uninjured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at Parowan, Utah, approximately 1420.
According the pilot's accident report, it was his intention to fly from Parowan, Utah, to Payson, Utah, and return (a distance of approximately 300 miles). He was towed to an altitude of 7,500 feet msl (1,500 feet agl), and climbed in thermals and reached an altitude of 17,000 feet.
This incident is documented in NTSB report FTW98LA326. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N41MN.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain to conduct a landing. Contributing was the loss of thermal lift and high vegetation.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 14, 1998, approximately 1755 mountain daylight time, a Rolladen-Schneider LS 4A, N41MN, was substantially damaged during landing roll in an open field near Salina, Utah. The private pilot, the sole occupant onboard, was uninjured. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at Parowan, Utah, approximately 1420.
According the pilot's accident report, it was his intention to fly from Parowan, Utah, to Payson, Utah, and return (a distance of approximately 300 miles). He was towed to an altitude of 7,500 feet msl (1,500 feet agl), and climbed in thermals and reached an altitude of 17,000 feet. He flew east to Panguitch, north to Pfeiler, Junction, and Richfield, then towards Salina. He said that when he reached a point south of Salina, lift conditions deteriorated and he encountered sink. He realized he would be unable to glide to the Salina-Gunnison Airport, so he selected a field 6 miles south in which to land. After touching down, he noticed an obstacle in the path of the left wing. He attempted to pull up and away from the obstacle but in doing so, the right wing contacted foliage, causing the glider to ground loop to the right.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW98LA326