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March 15, 2014 · Dg Flugzeugbau Gmbh DG 1000S NO Series · N624RM

Wrightwood, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 15, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Wrightwood, CA
Aircraft
Dg Flugzeugbau Gmbh DG 1000S NO Series (2008)
Tail Number
N624RM
Operator
Southern California Soaring Academy
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR14CA138

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was for him to take his cousin, the sole passenger, around the local ski area. After departure, the glider was towed to about 9,000 feet mean sea level (msl) and adjacent to the ski area. The pilot maneuvered the glider in a 300-degree turn to the right and realized that he was at a lower altitude than the ridge. He continued toward the ridge in an effort to gain lift off of the canyons. As the glider continued to lose altitude, it descended below 6,000 feet msl and the pilot began to look for terrain that would be favorable for an off-airport landing. After deciding on a location, the pilot deployed the airbrakes and with the glider about 10 to 15 feet above ground level (agl), he intentionally stalled. The glider mushed into the ground with little horizontal speed. During the accident sequence the glider incurred substantial damage to the tail boom and wings. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision to maneuver the glider where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, resulting in an off airport landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was for him to take his cousin, the sole passenger, around the local ski area. After departure, the glider was towed to about 9,000 feet mean sea level (msl) and adjacent to the ski area. The pilot maneuvered the glider in a 300-degree turn to the right and realized that he was at a lower altitude than the ridge. He continued toward the ridge in an effort to gain lift off of the canyons. As the glider continued to lose altitude, it descended below 6,000 feet msl and the pilot began to look for terrain that would be favorable for an off-airport landing. After deciding on a location, the pilot deployed the airbrakes and with the glider about 10 to 15 feet above ground level (agl), he intentionally stalled. The glider mushed into the ground with little horizontal speed. During the accident sequence the glider incurred substantial damage to the tail boom and wings. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 PDT
Nearest AirportCRYSTAL (5641nm NW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDg Flugzeugbau Gmbh DG 1000S NO Series
Tail NumberN624RM
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouthern California Soaring Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeNone
Engine DetailsNone
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 9 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data