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. No fatalities were reported. 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.
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.
What happened in the 4 Jul 1993 Berkshire CONCEPT 70 accident near Boynton Beach, FL?
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.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 1993 Berkshire CONCEPT 70 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Jul 1993 involved a Berkshire CONCEPT 70, registration N29BW, operated by Willis, B.n., at Boynton Beach, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING AND THE LACK OF ADEQUATE THERMAL LIFT.
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