On 11 Mar 2017, a SCHWEIZER SGS126 E was involved in an aviation accident near Bangor, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A glider pilot, unable to find sufficient lift while returning home, attempted an alternate landing but collided with trees, resulting in substantial wing and empennage damage.
Incident Details
A glider pilot reported that while returning to his home airport, he was unable to find enough lift and did not have enough altitude to cross a section of land called "The Gap." After altering course to land at an alternate airport, he attempted ridge soaring but again could not encounter enough lift. He "hugged the ridge top" for as long as possible and then proceeded down a valley in anticipation of landing in a field. Subsequently, the glider collided with trees prior to the field and came to rest suspended in the trees.
Damage Assessment
The glider sustained substantial damage to both wings and the empennage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.