17 Aug 2011: LET L 33 SOLO — TIDEWATER SOARING SOCIETY

17 Aug 2011: LET L 33 SOLO — TIDEWATER SOARING SOCIETY

No fatalities • Wakefield, VA, United States

Probable cause

The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, resulting in an off-airport landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot stated that the glider was at 2,500 feet as he neared the completion of the second leg of his three-leg cross-country flight. He searched for lift and a suitable off-airport landing site simultaneously, in case he was unable to find lift. The glider encountered sink, and the pilot completed a landing to a soybean field. The glider touched down one-quarter mile prior to the point of intended landing and ground-looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot did not report any pre-impact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • Contributed to outcome
  • Contributed to outcome
  • cause Attain/maintain not possible

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

Related events

Same aircraft

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  • 6 Jun 2025 — Let L-410UVP-E9 (Inversiones 777 S.A.)
  • 17 Jan 2025 — Let L-410UVP-E9 (SARAT Flight Logics)
  • 19 Nov 2024 — Let L-410UVP-E9 (Salaam Air Express)

Same operator

  • 30 Jul 2010 — SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33AK (TIDEWATER SOARING SOCIETY)

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