Accident Details
On July 10, 2018, at approximately 1832 Pacific daylight time, a Schempp Hirth Discus CS glider, registration N104TH, collided with terrain during a forced off-airport landing near Goldfield, Nevada. The glider was being operated as a personal local flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Tonopah Airport (TPH) in Tonopah, Nevada, at about 1330.
The glider was registered to Sparrowhawk21 LLC. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The glider itself sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot's report, during the long cross-country flight, he had to deviate to an alternate airport due to deteriorating weather conditions. While attempting to reach his selected off-airport landing site, he encountered continuous sinking air. Realizing he would not reach the intended landing area, he made the decision to land on a nearby road.
Just prior to touchdown, the right wing of the glider impacted a dirt berm that ran parallel to the road. This impact caused a ground loop, after which the glider cartwheeled and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airframe that would have precluded normal operation.
Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a Schempp Hirth Discus CS glider, a single-seat, high-performance sailplane. The glider was operated by the pilot for personal purposes.