Accident Details
Date
Saturday, March 4, 2006
NTSB Number
NYC06CA076
Location
Hardwick, NJ
Event ID
20060404X00390
Coordinates
40.974445, -75.107498
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
A loss of lift which resulted in a forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N153PS
Make
PZL-SWIDNIK
Serial Number
17-10-025
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
KALETA RICHARD
Address
224 E 10TH ST APT 11
Status
Deregistered
City
NEW YORK
State / Zip Code
NY 10003-7751
Country
United States
Analysis
According to the pilot, after about 2 hours of ridgeline flying, and during the return leg to the departure airport, the pilot attempted to cross a valley were he encountered "strong turbulent air pushing the glider down." The pilot was able to transition through the valley but was unable to find any "substantial lift" on the opposite side. Unable to locate a suitable forced landing area, the pilot performed a forced landing into trees.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC06CA076