N152SS Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G102 ASTIR CS accident

NTSB ERA24LA291 · 2024-06-02 · Benton, NH

Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant

Factual narrative

The pilot of the glider took off under aerotow for a flight in the local soaring area. During the return trip to the airport, the pilot reported that the “good lift” in the area had weakened. The pilot then reported that while looking for an area of lift, he performed a turn over a ridge, which resulted in a loss of altitude. During one the pilot’s turns to find lift, one of the wingtips impacted a tree, and the glider subsequently impacted the forest canopy. After impacting trees, the glider came to rest about 30 ft above ground level. The pilot was rescued from the tree canopy five hours after the accident and was uninjured. The tree impacts resulted in the glider sustaining substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause

An encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, resulting in collision with trees. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type

Accident

Highest injury

None

Weather conditions

Visual Meteorological Cond

Light condition

Day

Sky condition

NONE

Ceiling (ft)

0

Visibility (sm)

10

Wind direction

310

Wind speed (kt)

6

Temperature (F)

84

Distance from field

0.0

Aircraft

Sequence of events

Findings