Accident Details
Date
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA278
Location
Bishop, CA
Event ID
20120628X44512
Coordinates
37.408054, -118.340553
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
The glider’s encounter with insufficient atmospheric lift to maintain soaring flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N3617U
Make
SCHWEIZER
Serial Number
18
Year Built
1981
Model / ICAO
SGS 1-36
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
SIERRA FLIERS LLC
Address
PO BOX 20181
Status
Deregistered
City
RENO
State / Zip Code
NV 89515-0181
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot reported that after 1.5 hours of soaring he was en route back to the airport when he encountered significant sink (loss of lift) and was forced to land in a pasture 2.1 miles northeast of the approach end of the runway. The glider sustained damage to the right wing tip and empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA278