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NTSB Report
July 9, 1992 · Whigham GW-4 · N3705
Warner Springs, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 9, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Warner Springs, CA
Aircraft
Whigham GW-4
Tail Number
N3705
Operator
Waters John B
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX92LA290
WHILE FLYING OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, 7 MILES NORTH OF THE GLIDERPORT, THE GLIDER FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED STRONG DOWN DRAFTS. THE PILOT IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TOWARDS THE GLIDERPORT, BUT ENCOUNTERED STRONGER DOWNDRAFTS AND WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR THE RIDGE. THERE IS NO RECORD THAT THE PILOT OBTAINED A WEATHER BRIEFING BEFORE DEPARTING ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE DOWNDRAFTS AND MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
WHILE FLYING OVER MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, 7 MILES NORTH OF THE GLIDERPORT, THE GLIDER FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED STRONG DOWN DRAFTS. THE PILOT IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TOWARDS THE GLIDERPORT, BUT ENCOUNTERED STRONGER DOWNDRAFTS AND WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR THE RIDGE. THERE IS NO RECORD THAT THE PILOT OBTAINED A WEATHER BRIEFING BEFORE DEPARTING ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWhigham GW-4
Tail NumberN3705
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWaters John B
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind225° @ 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO