History of Flight
On June 29, 2019, at approximately 1511 mountain daylight time, a Rolladen-Schneider LS-4A experimental glider experienced an accident near Moriarty, New Mexico, resulting in minor damage to the aircraft. The pilot was fatally injured. The glider was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The glider came to rest in a field about 10 miles south of Moriarty Municipal Airport. A Torrance County Sheriff’s Deputy reported that the pilot was found deceased, strapped into the seat with the canopy closed, displaying only minor external injuries.
According to the co-owner of the glider, the intended flight was local, with the pilot planning to fly toward Santa Fe. However, the co-owner noted that the pilot was aware of convective activity in that direction, which may have prompted a route change. The glider had no known mechanical issues during previous flights and had been serviced with oxygen before the accident flight.
The glider was equipped with a GPS device that recorded the flight. Data indicated takeoff at 1941. The flight track initially proceeded southwest, east of a mountain range. At 2021, the glider momentarily reached about 14,000 ft mean sea level, then descended to about 10,200 ft. By 2036, it climbed again, reaching about 15,000 ft at 2059. At 2101, the track reversed northward, but seconds later executed a 90° right turn east, away from mountainous terrain, and began descending. The descent rate initially was about 200 ft per minute, increasing to about 1,000 ft per minute at 2105. The easterly course was maintained for nearly 10 minutes; groundspeed initially increased then decreased before data ended at 2111 near the accident site. No anomalies were found in the recorded data.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private-pilot certificate with a glider rating. Although the pilot's FAA third-class medical certificate had expired, such a certificate is not required for glider operations.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The glider sustained minor damage to the left wing, canopy, and landing gear doors. A postaccident examination by an FAA inspector confirmed that all major structural components and primary flight controls were intact, flight control continuity was verified from the cockpit to all surfaces, and the landing gear was extended.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy performed by the State of New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as natural causes resulting from complications of aortic stenosis due to a bicuspid aortic valve. Toxicological testing conducted by the FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory was negative for carbon monoxide and volatiles, but positive for amlodipine and ranitidine. Both medications are generally acceptable for use by airmen.