N517PB Alexander Schleicher Gmbh & Co ASH 31 MI accident

NTSB WPR24LA216 · 2024-06-24 · Parowan, UT · near 1L9

Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant

Factual narrative

The pilot of a powered glider reported that, after the engine had been shut down and the propeller stowed, he encountered more downdrafts?than expected. The glider did not have sufficient altitude to reach the airport or to re-deploy the engine. During the forced landing on rough terrain, a wing impacted vegetation and ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause

The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain?flight. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type

Accident

Highest injury

Serious

Weather conditions

Visual Meteorological Cond

Light condition

Day

Ceiling (ft)

0

Visibility (sm)

10

Wind direction

290

Wind speed (kt)

9

Temperature (F)

90

Nearest airport

Parowan Airport

Distance from field

2.0

Airport elevation

5930

Aircraft

Sequence of events

Findings