Summary
On March 11, 2017, a Schweizer SGS126 (N17933) was involved in an incident near Bangor, PA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
The glider pilot reported that while returning to his home airport, he was unable to find enough lift, and did not have enough altitude to cross a section of land called "The Gap". After he altered course to land at an alternate airport he attempted to ridge soar, but was again unable to encounter enough lift. He "hugged the ridge top" for as long as he could and then proceeded down a valley in anticipation of landing in a field. Subsequently, the glider collided with trees prior to the field and came to rest suspended in the trees.
The glider sustained substantial damage to both wings and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA196. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N17933.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The glider pilot reported that while returning to his home airport, he was unable to find enough lift, and did not have enough altitude to cross a section of land called "The Gap". After he altered course to land at an alternate airport he attempted to ridge soar, but was again unable to encounter enough lift. He "hugged the ridge top" for as long as he could and then proceeded down a valley in anticipation of landing in a field. Subsequently, the glider collided with trees prior to the field and came to rest suspended in the trees.
The glider sustained substantial damage to both wings and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA17CA196