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Casualties unknown

Glider Pilot Reports Stall and Collision with Trees After Misjudging Ridge Lift (N341KS)

Woodstock, VA, US

On June 16, 2002, a Schleicher ASK21 (registration N341KS) operated by Frederic Winter was involved in an aviation accident near Woodstock, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to recognize the diminished wind speed for orographic lift and his failure to execute a timely turn toward the valley. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After release from tow, a glider flew about 10 miles along a ridge. The pilot failed to recognize diminishing orographic lift and delayed turning toward the valley, resulting in a stall and collision with trees. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

After being released from the tow plane, the pilot flew the glider for about 10 miles along a ridge. The pilot reported that his preflight evaluation of the weather conditions predicted "good orographic lift" in the area.

Stall and Terrain Contact

According to the pilot, he failed to recognize that the wind speed necessary to generate sufficient orographic lift had diminished. He also failed to execute a turn toward the valley while he had sufficient altitude to clear the terrain. As he executed a turn "into very weak ridge lift," the glider stalled and mushed into trees.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the glider. He acknowledged that his assessment of the weather conditions prior to departure was optimistic, and that he did not properly recognize the changing conditions during the flight.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to recognize the diminished wind speed for orographic lift and his failure to execute a timely turn toward the valley.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 2002 Schleicher ASK21 accident near Woodstock, VA?

After release from tow, a glider flew about 10 miles along a ridge. The pilot failed to recognize diminishing orographic lift and delayed turning toward the valley, resulting in a stall and collision with trees. No mechanical issues were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 2002 involved a Schleicher ASK21, registration N341KS, operated by Frederic Winter, at Woodstock, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to recognize the diminished wind speed for orographic lift and his failure to execute a timely turn toward the valley.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020620X00941. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.