On November 4, 1989, an I.c.a. Brasov IS-28B2 (registration N72598) operated by Christopher Uebel was involved in an aviation accident near Chilcoot, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue flying into mountain wave conditions with downdrafts, which led to a loss of lift and subsequent terrain impact during an off-airport landing attempt. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot flying a IS-28B2 glider encountered severe downdrafts over a mountain ridge and attempted to land at a preselected off-airport site, resulting in a terrain impact.
What happened
The accident occurred while the pilot was operating an IS-28B2 glider over a mountain ridgeline. During this phase of flight, the aircraft encountered significant downdrafts that resulted in a loss of lift. In response to these deteriorating conditions, the pilot elected to land at a preselected off-airport landing site located at the base of the ridgeline.
While maneuvering within the traffic pattern for landing at this site, the glider impacted terrain. The pilot had accumulated 3.7 hours of pilot-in-command flight time in the IS-28B2 glider at the time of the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue flying into mountain wave conditions with downdrafts, which led to a loss of lift and subsequent terrain impact during an off-airport landing attempt.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Nov 1989 I.c.a. Brasov IS-28B2 accident near Chilcoot, CA?
A pilot flying a IS-28B2 glider encountered severe downdrafts over a mountain ridge and attempted to land at a preselected off-airport site, resulting in a terrain impact.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Nov 1989 involved an I.c.a. Brasov IS-28B2, registration N72598, operated by Christopher Uebel, at Chilcoot, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue flying into mountain wave conditions with downdrafts, which led to a loss of lift and subsequent terrain impact during an off-airport landing attempt.
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