History of Flight
On August 24, 2016, at about 1410 mountain daylight time, a Stemme S10-VT self-launching glider, registration N5021, was substantially damaged after colliding with trees and terrain near Telluride, Colorado. The pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The glider was operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 as a local sightseeing flight, departing Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) around 1315. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
A witness observed the glider climbing from TEX with the engine sounding normal. Approximately 15 minutes later, the witness heard a strained engine sound, similar to a propeller-driven aircraft maneuvering aerobatically. About 15 seconds afterward, the engine noise ceased. The witness then overheard radio communications about a downed aircraft.
A second witness saw the glider flying low with the engine running. A coworker remarked on its low altitude. The glider disappeared below the tree line, and about 10 seconds later, a loud noise was heard. The witness drove to a ridge and observed the accident site, then notified authorities.
Personnel Information
The pilot's logbook was unavailable, so his total flight experience could not be determined. He did not hold a current FAA medical certificate, nor was one required for glider operations. In February 1998, he reported over 4,000 hours of civilian flight time on his last medical application. Advertisements for 30-minute and 1-hour sightseeing flights were available at TEX, and the pilot operated a website promoting these flights.
Aircraft Information
The glider was purchased by the pilot in July 2004. The most recent maintenance entry, dated September 20, 2012, was unsigned and recorded an annual inspection at airframe and engine total times of 1,824.2 and 496.3 hours, respectively.
Meteorological Information
One witness reported light rain and steady surface wind from the northeast at about 8 mph near the accident time, with no thunderstorms in the immediate area but activity to the north. Another witness noted dark rain clouds building about an hour before the accident. Satellite imagery showed growing cumuliform clouds moving southeastward, with cloud tops around 18,000 feet msl. Weather radar indicated a dissipating rain shower over the site at the time, creating favorable conditions for downdrafts. No SIGMET advisories were in effect, but an AIRMET for mountain obscuration due to clouds and mist was active.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The glider came to rest within a cluster of trees about 5 miles south-southeast of TEX at an elevation of 11,200 feet. The area consisted of mountainous terrain, dense woods, and small meadows, with terrain sloping downhill to the north/northwest. Ridgelines to the east and south exceeded 12,500 feet. A postaccident examination and engine test run revealed no anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy attributed the pilot's death to multiple traumatic injuries. Toxicology testing was negative for drugs, carbon monoxide, and ethanol.