Collision With An Obstacle During An Off-Field Landing

Location: Minden, Nevada Accident Number: WPR24LA274
Date & Time: August 9, 2024, 13:00 Local Registration: N125CC
Aircraft: Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G103 Twin Astir Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of lift Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The glider was launched by aerotow and released about 5 miles from the departure airport. After climbing to about 10,400 ft msl, the pilot flew the glider towards an adjacent peak, however while enroute the glider encountered sink and descended. Rather than fly back towards the sinking air, the pilot began to track towards another peak in anticipation of finding lifting air, in an area where he had been successful in the past. However, the glider continued to descend so he turned back towards the departure airport. The headwinds were significant, and by the time the glider had sunk to 1,000 ft above ground level, the airport was no longer in site, so he elected to perform an off-field landing on a dirt road. During the landing roll the left wing struck a raised rock, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies 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 glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight and a subsequent collision with an obstacle during an off-field landing.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov