20 Mar 2018: LITHUANIAN FACTORY OF AVIATION LAK 12 NO SERIES

20 Mar 2018: LITHUANIAN FACTORY OF AVIATION LAK 12 NO SERIES — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Sunriver, OR, United States

Probable cause

The glider pilot's inadequate flight planning, which resulted in an off-airport landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The glider pilot reported that, at 8,800 ft, he encountered a strong sink rate of about 400-600 ft per minute. He added that he was unable to find any thermals and decided to head towards a nearby airport to land. He soon realized that he would not be able to reach the airport and chose to land on a highway instead. During landing, the wings struck road signs and came to rest on the right side of the highway.

The glider sustained substantial damage to the wings.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

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

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 210/09kt, vis 9sm

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