Accident Details
On June 22, 2022, at approximately 1515 Pacific daylight time, a DG FLUGZEUGBAU GMBH sailplane, registration N5532P, sustained substantial damage when it landed in Lake Chelan, Washington. The flight was operating as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot was not injured.
Pilot Narrative
The pilot reported that he was soaring when he encountered two areas of "heavy sink" before reaching the final wave lift of the flight, which took him to an altitude of 16,500 feet. After leaving the wave lift, the glider began to sink, and the pilot quickly focused on regaining lift, neglecting to consider the final glide back to the departure airport. The pilot subsequently overflew a suitable alternative airport while continuing to search for lift as the glider continued to sink at approximately 1,000 feet per minute. Eventually, the pilot maneuvered into a position where landing in the lake became the best option, as he could not find sufficient lift or return to an airport. Both wings were substantially damaged during the landing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a DG FLUGZEUGBAU GMBH sailplane, registration N5532P. It was operated as a personal flight. No preaccident mechanical issues were reported.