Summary
On May 14, 2013, a Schweizer SGS 1-23H-15 (N9860E) was involved in an accident near Yadkinville, NC. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's improper altitude management while maneuvering for an off-airport landing, which resulted in a collision with trees.
The pilot reported that he was conducting a local glider flight. After soaring for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, the pilot began to return to the departure airport. The pilot stated that the glider encountered a downdraft that would not allow him to return safely and he elected to land in a hay field about 3 miles northwest of the departure airport. The pilot further stated the approach was normal and at the "proper speed". While turning onto final approach the glider's right wing clipped a tree and spun around clockwise into trees. Postaccident examination of the glider revealed that the left and right wing leading edges incurred substantial damage due to impact with trees, and about three feet of the left wing tip was sheared off. Both spoilers were found in the full extended position.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA13CA245. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9860E.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper altitude management while maneuvering for an off-airport landing, which resulted in a collision with trees.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that he was conducting a local glider flight. After soaring for about 1 hour and 45 minutes, the pilot began to return to the departure airport. The pilot stated that the glider encountered a downdraft that would not allow him to return safely and he elected to land in a hay field about 3 miles northwest of the departure airport. The pilot further stated the approach was normal and at the "proper speed". While turning onto final approach the glider's right wing clipped a tree and spun around clockwise into trees. Postaccident examination of the glider revealed that the left and right wing leading edges incurred substantial damage due to impact with trees, and about three feet of the left wing tip was sheared off. Both spoilers were found in the full extended position. The pilot reported no pre-impact 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# ERA13CA245