Summary
On May 09, 2010, a Schleicher ASW-20C (N6BF) was involved in an accident near Unionville, PA. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's lack of remedial action in response to a loss of altitude, which led to a forced landing in unsuitable terrain.
According to the pilot, this was intended as an “out & return” recreational flight. He intended to climb via thermals to get across a five-mile gap between ridges, but was unable to gain altitude. He then attempted to turn to a “spur” that was separate from the main ridge to gain lift, but while performing the maneuvers, the glider continued to lose altitude “in sinking air.” The glider subsequently impacted trees and came to rest inverted, seriously injuring the pilot. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the glider. He stated that in retrospect, he should have released the 10 gallons of water ballast in each wing and deployed positive flaps.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA10CA260. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6BF.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's lack of remedial action in response to a loss of altitude, which led to a forced landing in unsuitable terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the pilot, this was intended as an “out & return” recreational flight. He intended to climb via thermals to get across a five-mile gap between ridges, but was unable to gain altitude. He then attempted to turn to a “spur” that was separate from the main ridge to gain lift, but while performing the maneuvers, the glider continued to lose altitude “in sinking air.” The glider subsequently impacted trees and came to rest inverted, seriously injuring the pilot. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the glider. He stated that in retrospect, he should have released the 10 gallons of water ballast in each wing and deployed positive flaps. A weather observation taken approximately at the time of the accident, 35 miles from the accident site, recorded the wind as 290 degrees at 13 knots, gusting 20 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA260