Pilot... Had Recently Purchased The Glider

Location: Lake Port, CA Accident Number: WPR20LA257
Date & Time: August 7, 2020, 14:00 Local Registration: N290MH
Aircraft: Sportine Aviacija LAK17 Injuries: 1 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 7, 2020 about 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Sportine Aviacija Lak-17B, motorized glider, N290MH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lake Port, California. The private pilot was fatally injured. The motorized glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The flight departed from runway 28 at Lampson Field Airport (1O2), Lakeport, California about 1200 on a local flight. According to family members, the pilot was based out of 1O2 and had recently purchased the glider. They continued by stating he was still in the certification process and could only fly the glider within 20 miles of 1O2. After the pilot had not returned home from the flight, family members were able to check a SPOT device which indicated his last position.

The wreckage was located on steep and wooded terrain about 1 mile west from the departure end of runway 28 at 1O2. According to photos supplied by first responders, the glider was found in multiple sections.

There were no witnesses to the accident. The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov