Flight Details
A glider was flying approximately 2.5 miles south of the airport when the pilot reported encountering downdrafts. The pilot initially flew back toward the airport at 63 mph. At about 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and 1.5 miles south of the airport, the pilot observed a descent rate of approximately 600 feet per minute. Concluding that reaching the airport was unlikely, the pilot decided to attempt an off-airport landing.
The manufacturer's published best glide speed for the two-place glider was 50 mph. At that speed, the glider had a lift-to-drag ratio of 23:1, corresponding to a glide distance of approximately 8 miles from 2,000 feet.
Weather Information
Review of weather reports indicated that the glider would have experienced a left quartering tailwind while flying from south to north.