What happened
Following release from a tow plane, the pilot flew a glider for approximately 10 miles along a ridge. During the flight, the pilot failed to recognize that the wind speed required to produce sufficient orographic lift had decreased. Additionally, the pilot did not execute a turn toward the valley while maintaining enough altitude to clear the terrain. As the aircraft entered a turn into very weak ridge lift, the glider experienced a stall and struck trees.
Findings
- The pilot's pre-departure evaluation of weather conditions had predicted good orographic lift in the area.
- There were no mechanical deficiencies reported with the glider.