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NTSB Report

July 8, 2015 · Schweizer SGS 1 26B B · N5839V

Silver Springs, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 8, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Silver Springs, NV
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS 1 26B B (1964)
Tail Number
N5839V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA172

The pilot of the glider reported diverting from his original destination to an alternate airport due to an approaching thunderstorm from the west that he could see. The pilot chose to stay aloft to see which direction the weather was moving. When the thunderstorm started moving east toward the pilot he decided to land. The pilot reported that while he was on final approach for the runway, he was hit by a gust front, the wind shifted and he was blown to the north side of the runway and landed on a dirt road. During the landing roll the glider impacted a fence post and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. A review of local weather data showed nearby convective activity capable of producing significant convective gust fronts. The thunderstorm hazard was forecasted by the National Weather Service prior to the flight, which included a special weather statement for the accident area advising that strong outflow gusts up to 50 miles per hour were possible. The pilot reported receiving a weather forecast the morning of the flight that included the possibility for afternoon thunderstorms. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision making in adverse weather conditions, which resulted in an encounter with weather and impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the glider reported diverting from his original destination to an alternate airport due to an approaching thunderstorm from the west that he could see. The pilot chose to stay aloft to see which direction the weather was moving. When the thunderstorm started moving east toward the pilot he decided to land. The pilot reported that while he was on final approach for the runway, he was hit by a gust front, the wind shifted and he was blown to the north side of the runway and landed on a dirt road. During the landing roll the glider impacted a fence post and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. A review of local weather data showed nearby convective activity capable of producing significant convective gust fronts. The thunderstorm hazard was forecasted by the National Weather Service prior to the flight, which included a special weather statement for the accident area advising that strong outflow gusts up to 50 miles per hour were possible. The pilot reported receiving a weather forecast the morning of the flight that included the possibility for afternoon thunderstorms. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 PDT
Nearest AirportSilver Springs (0nm NNW)
Runway23
Runway Length6001 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGS 1 26B B
Tail NumberN5839V
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 19 kt, gusting 35 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data