History of Flight
On August 25, 2019, about 1503 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Glaser-Dirks DG 300 glider, registration N300GG, was involved in an accident near Buckley, Washington. The glider was operated as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Data from an onboard flight computer indicated that the flight began at 1327 and ended at about 1503. The glider was towed northeast of the departure airport and released at about 4,100 ft mean sea level (msl). The pilot flew within the area to the west, then turned southwest. Altitude fluctuated between 4,200 ft msl and 2,133 ft msl. At 1448, about 15 minutes before the accident, the glider was about one-half mile northwest of Burnett Landing Airport (WN15), Wilkeson, Washington, at 3,400 ft msl. It continued southwest for about 5 miles, descended to about 2,230 ft msl, then turned northeast toward WN15. During this time, the glider made four circling turns, with slight altitude gains before continuing descent. After the fourth turn, the glider turned left toward WN15 at 1,690 ft msl, arriving over the airport at 1501 at 1,365 ft msl (about 565 ft agl). It circled WN15 about two and a half times while descending. The last recorded data point was 130 ft south of the accident site at about 961 ft msl (161 ft agl).
The pilot of another glider communicated with the accident pilot via radio. The accident pilot stated he was south by power lines and “going to where you are going.” About 5 minutes later, he said he was “going to Burnett.” Subsequently, he reported being “over Burnett at 1,800, looking for lift.”
Multiple witnesses observed the glider arrive and circle over WN15. One witness saw it circle the airport 3 to 4 times, then the landing gear extended while the glider was behind trees. The glider banked left about 30° to 40°, the left wing impacted a tree, and the glider descended to the runway in a nose-down attitude.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was at the approach end of runway 31. The glider was oriented on a heading of 161°. All major components were within a debris field about 30 ft by 30 ft. Examination revealed no evidence of preexisting mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Additional Information
The FAA Glider Flying Handbook (Chapter 7) provides guidance on determining a visual reference point for approach and on planning off-airport landings. It emphasizes avoiding denial and recommends decision heights for off-field landings: select a general area no lower than 2,000 ft AGL, the intended landing field no lower than 1,500 ft AGL, and commit to the approach at 1,000 ft AGL.
Medical and Pathological Information
Toxicology testing by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory identified 7.2 ng/ml of carboxy-THC in subclavian blood. Carboxy-THC and hydroxy-THC (an active metabolite) were also identified in urine. No parent THC or active metabolite was found in the pilot's blood.