12 Apr 2013: SCHLEICHER ASW-27 — WESTERINEN CHARLES J

12 Apr 2013: SCHLEICHER ASW-27 — WESTERINEN CHARLES J

No fatalities • Middletown, CA, United States

Probable cause

The glider’s encounter with atmospheric lift conditions not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in a forced landing on rough terrain.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during his return to the airport, the glider encountered heavy downdrafts. Unable to reach the airport, he elected to execute an off airport landing to a field. During the landing on rough terrain, the glider ground looped, which resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom and wings. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Effect on equipment
  • cause Performance/control parameters — Not attained/maintained
  • Pilot
  • Rough terrain

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 160/03kt, vis 8sm

Related events

Same aircraft

  • 16 Jun 2013 — SCHLEICHER ASW-27 (CULBERTSON RICK C)
  • 29 May 2012 — SCHLEICHER ASW-27 (Pilot)
  • 21 Jul 2011 — SCHLEICHER ASW-27 (BLACKBURN L ANDERSON)
  • 19 Jul 2011 — SCHLEICHER ASW-27 (CUMIFORD JAMES H JR)
  • 7 May 2011 — SCHLEICHER ASW-27 (—)

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