Accident Details
Date
Saturday, June 16, 2007
NTSB Number
SEA07CA162
Location
Minden, NV
Event ID
20070723X00994
Coordinates
39.000831, -119.754997
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
The flight's encounter with severe downdrafts during cruise flight. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadvertent selection of unsuitable terrain with hidden obstructions.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N374AM
Make
SCHEMPP-HIRTH
Serial Number
9
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
VAYDA THOMAS P
Address
10430 CANYON OAK CIR
Status
Deregistered
City
SANDY
State / Zip Code
UT 84092-4548
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot of the motor glider reported that he had been airborne on a local soaring flight for about 30 minutes when the flight encountered "severe downdrafts." Due to the downdrafts, he was unable to return to the airport and had to land in an alfalfa field. During the landing roll, the glider collided with a ditch and a fence that were not visible during the landing approach.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA07CA162