Accident Details
On May 25, 2024, at 1350 eastern daylight time, an Alexander Schleicher ASH 31 glider, registration N20SW, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and came to rest inverted on a road in a residential area near Winter Haven, Florida. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the weather was suitable for soaring. He reported that the motor glider's engine and propeller drive operated normally during takeoff and climb to 2,500 ft mean sea level (msl). However, he stated that he forgot to turn off the engine's second fuel pump during the climb, which could potentially drain the battery. After reaching 2,500 ft msl, the pilot shut down the engine and stowed the propeller pylon assembly. He then began soaring to an area where he anticipated thermals. After a few minutes, he realized there were no thermals and that he lacked sufficient altitude to return to the airport. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but the propeller pylon assembly did not fully extend from the fuselage. Concluding that the engine and pylon could not be used to regain altitude, he elected to land in a nearby football field. During the approach, the glider struck trees and flipped over, coming to rest inverted on a road.
Postaccident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the motor glider after the accident and noted substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The glider was recovered to a local impound lot. Soon after recovery, the owner/pilot sold the wreckage before a detailed examination could be conducted, and the battery's charge state could not be determined. The new owner of the fuselage, engine, and propeller pylon reported that the pylon could move between stowed and extended positions without anomalies. The linear actuator that drove the pylon was tested and operated normally when 12-volt electrical power was applied.