During The Forced Landing, The Right Wing Impacted A Pole, Which Resulted In Substantial Damage

Location: Huntsville, Utah Accident Number: ANC24LA071
Date & Time: July 29, 2024, 15:55 Local Registration: N8485W
Aircraft: Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G103 Twin Astir Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot of the unpowered glider reported that, he experienced “spatial disorientation” due to hazy conditions, and he inadvertently flew the glider in the wrong direction, which was farther away from his intended landing site. The pilot selected an open field as a forced landing site. During the forced landing, the right wing impacted a pole, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot's failure to navigate in hazy conditions, which resulted in a forced landing in a field and a collision with a pole. 

FMI: www.ntsb.gov