Accident Details
Date
Friday, April 12, 2013
NTSB Number
WPR13CA218
Location
Middletown, CA
Event ID
20130506X24234
Coordinates
38.771945, -122.575279
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 atmospheric lift conditions not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in a forced landing on rough terrain.
Aircraft Information
Model / ICAO
ASW-27
Aircraft Type
Glider
No. of Engines
0
Seats
1
FAA Model
ASW-27
Registered Owner (Current)
Name
GILLIS MATTHEW J
Address
PO BOX 821
City
LOS MOLINOS
State / Zip Code
CA 96055-0821
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot reported that during his return to the airport, the glider encountered heavy downdrafts. Unable to reach the airport, he elected to execute an off airport landing to a field. During the landing on rough terrain, the glider ground looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom and wings. 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# WPR13CA218