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Casualties unknown

Glider Pilot Makes Forced Landing in Everglades After Encountering Sink (N29BW)

Boynton Beach, FL, US

On July 4, 1993, a Berkshire CONCEPT 70 (registration N29BW) operated by Willis, B.n. was involved in an aviation accident near Boynton Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND THE LACK OF ADEQUATE THERMAL LIFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A glider pilot, unable to locate thermals, made a forced landing in the Everglades after encountering strong and mild sink. The aircraft ground looped but came to rest upright.

Flight and Encounter

After being towed aloft, the glider proceeded west to locate thermals that were reported to be good by another glider pilot. The flight was about 4 to 5 miles west of the departure airport at an altitude of 1,900 feet when the pilot was unable to locate thermals and elected to return to the airport.

Sink Conditions

While en route, the pilot encountered what he described as 'strong sink.' He then continued in what was described as 'mild sink,' and he realized that he would be unable to land at the departure airport.

Forced Landing

The pilot made a forced landing in the Everglades. After touchdown, the glider ground looped and came to rest upright.

Related events

Same operator

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12981. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.