Accident Details
Date
Friday, August 14, 2020
NTSB Number
WPR20CA273
Location
Warner Springs, CA
Event ID
20200815X20002
Coordinates
33.284442, -116.669723
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inability to maintain altitude due to a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
Aircraft Information
Year Built
1970
Model / ICAO
SGS233
Aircraft Type
Glider
No. of Engines
0
Seats
2
FAA Model
SGS 2-33A
Registered Owner (Current)
Name
SKY SAILING INC
Address
31930 HIGHWAY 79
City
WARNER SPRINGS
State / Zip Code
CA 92086-9625
Country
United States
Analysis
The glider pilot reported that, during the return flight to the airport, he encountered more downdrafts than expected and did not have enough altitude to reach the airport. He selected an area for the forced landing where during the landing roll on the rough terrain, both wings sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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# WPR20CA273