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July 13, 2012 · Schempp Hirth Nimbus II · N96132

Redmond, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 13, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Redmond, OR
Aircraft
Schempp Hirth Nimbus II
Tail Number
N96132
Operator
John R Bentley
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12CA304

According to the pilot, his glider was towed to an altitude of 6,000 feet above mean sea level (msl), which was about 2,600 feet above ground level, and released. The glider achieved an altitude of 7,500 feet msl, and the pilot continued to an area that he normally used for soaring. Once he reached the location, he realized the glider was too low to glide back to the airport and that in order to get to the next available safe field for landing the glider would have to cross a tree line. Upon approach to the trees, the pilot did not think the glider would be able to clear them, so he set up his approach for landing onto a road adjacent to the tree line. On the landing roll the glider’s right wing struck a tree. The pilot reported that the right wing was damaged and that the tail boom had separated. He also stated that there were no mechanical problems with the glider prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-(general)-(general)-Effect on operation - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, his glider was towed to an altitude of 6,500 feet above mean sea level (msl), which was about 2,600 feet above ground level (agl), and released. The glider achieved an altitude of 7,500 feet, and the pilot continued on to an area that he normally used for soaring. Once he reached the location, he realized the glider was too low to glide back to the airport, or to a known suitable field for an off-airport landing. The pilot stated that his option was to soar to the next available safe field for landing. However, in order to get to the field, the glider would have to cross over a tree line. Upon approach to the trees, the pilot did not think the glider would be able to make it over them, so he set up his approach for landing onto a road adjacent to the tree line. On the landing roll out the right wing struck a tree. The pilot reported that the right wing was damaged, and the tail boom had separated. He also stated that there were no mechanical problems with the glider.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 PDT
Nearest AirportBend Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchempp Hirth Nimbus II
Tail NumberN96132
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn R Bentley
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 9 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time21:56
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data