Summary
On August 14, 2020, a Schweizer SGS233 (N7547) was involved in an incident near Warner Springs, CA. 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 pilot's inability to maintain altitude due to a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR20CA273. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7547.
Accident Details
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
Registered Owner (Current)
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