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Casualties unknown

Glider Stalls During Approach to Field After Wind Shift and Sink (N21VT)

Warren, VT, US

On June 16, 2004, a Schleicher ASK-21 (registration N21VT) was involved in an aviation accident near Warren, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper pre-flight and in-flight planning, which resulted in a forced landing after experiencing a loss of thermal lift. A factor was the loss of thermal lift. 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 a 2-hour flight, a glider returning to an airport encountered a wind shift. Approximately 4 miles from the airport, the pilots chose a field for landing. During the approach, after increasing pitch to clear a tree, the glider stalled and mushed to the ground.

Flight and Approach

The glider had been flying for approximately 2 hours and was returning to the airport when the wind shifted to southwest at 5 knots, decreasing the available lift. About 4 miles from the airport, the pilots realized that they were too low to reach the airport and chose a field as a landing site.

Landing Attempt

While on approach to the field, persistent sink made attaining the field marginal. It became necessary to increase the pitch of the glider to clear a 15-foot tall tree. As a result, the glider stalled and mushed to the ground.

Outcome

The glider stalled and mushed to the ground after the pitch increase. The specific aircraft type, registration, and other details are not provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 2004 Schleicher ASK-21 accident near Warren, VT?

After a 2-hour flight, a glider returning to an airport encountered a wind shift. Approximately 4 miles from the airport, the pilots chose a field for landing. During the approach, after increasing pitch to clear a tree, the glider stalled and mushed to the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 2004 involved a Schleicher ASK-21, registration N21VT, at Warren, VT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper pre-flight and in-flight planning, which resulted in a forced landing after experiencing a loss of thermal lift. A factor was the loss of thermal lift.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040722X01038. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.