CircumFlightN5786S accident
NTSB WPR25LA138 · 2025-04-19 · Hood River, OR · near 4S2
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Factual narrative
The flight instructor reported that while turning final, the glider encountered a loss of lift and there was not sufficient altitude to reach the airport. The instructor chose to land in an orchard, and during the landing roll, the glider struck several small trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the 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
- None
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- NONE
- Ceiling (ft)
- 0
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 310
- Wind speed (kt)
- 12
- Temperature (F)
- 59
- Nearest airport
- KEN JERNSTEDT AIRFIELD
- Distance from field
- 0.62
- Airport elevation
- 638
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N5786S | — | — | SUBS | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Approach-VFR pattern final Loss of lift defining | Cruise |
| 3 | Landing Off-field or emergency landing | Cruise |