Pilot Realized That There Were No Updrafts In The Area And That He Didn’T Have Enough Altitude To Glide Back

Location: Winter Haven, FL Accident Number: ERA24LA228
Date & Time: May 25, 2024, 13:50 Local Registration: N20SW
Aircraft: Schleicher Gmbh & Co ASH 31 MI Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On May 25, 2024, at 1350 eastern daylight time, a Schleicher GMBH & CO ASH 31 MI glider, N20SW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Winter Haven, Florida. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, the weather was “good soaring weather” and he planned to perform a flight in the local area. He reported that the glider’s engine and propeller drive operated normally for the takeoff, and the climb to 2,500 ft mean sea level (msl) was uneventful. Upon reaching 2,500 ft msl the pilot shut down the engine and stowed the propeller drive assembly. He began to glide to a location where he anticipated good updrafts. After a few minutes of gliding, the pilot realized that there were no updrafts in the area and that he didn’t have enough altitude to glide back to the airport. The pilot attempted to start the engine; however, the propeller drive assembly did not fully extend out of the fuselage. After determining that the engine and propeller drive assembly could not be utilized to regain altitude, the pilot elected to perform a landing at a local football field. While on approach to the football field, the glider impacted trees, and came to rest inverted on a road in a residential area. 

Postaccident examination of the motor glider revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The wreckage was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov