N96132

Substantial
None

SCHEMPP HIRTH NIMBUS IIS/N: 131

Accident Details

Date
Friday, July 13, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA304
Location
Redmond, OR
Event ID
20120713X84637
Coordinates
44.206943, -121.321113
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 aerodynamic lift that resulted in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N96132
Make
SCHEMPP HIRTH
Serial Number
131
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1976
Model / ICAO
NIMBUS IIBPAT
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BENTLEY JOHN R
Address
1506 NW FRESNO AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
BEND
State / Zip Code
OR 97701-3042
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, his glider was towed to an altitude of 6,500 feet above mean sea level (msl), which was about 2,600 feet above ground level (agl), and released. The glider achieved an altitude of 7,500 feet, and the pilot continued on to an area that he normally used for soaring. Once he reached the location, he realized the glider was too low to glide back to the airport, or to a known suitable field for an off-airport landing. The pilot stated that his option was to soar to the next available safe field for landing. However, in order to get to the field, the glider would have to cross over a tree line. Upon approach to the trees, the pilot did not think the glider would be able to make it over them, so he set up his approach for landing onto a road adjacent to the tree line. On the landing roll out the right wing struck a tree. The pilot reported that the right wing was damaged, and the tail boom had separated. He also stated that there were no mechanical problems with the glider.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA304