ROLLADEN-SCHNEIDER LS8
Pine Grove, PA — March 21, 2016
Event Information
| Date | March 21, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA16CA156 |
| Event ID | 20160323X62352 |
| Location | Pine Grove, PA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.35528, -76.26139 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | ROLLADEN-SCHNEIDER |
| Model | LS8 |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inability to maintain the glider's descent rate and glide path after encountering a downdraft, resulting in a collision with trees during an off airport landing.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot of the glider, while performing a cross country flight along a mountain ridge, the pilot could no longer maintain altitude as a result of unfavorable wind conditions. The pilot reported that he elected to execute an off airport landing. He recounted that he selected a suitable landing area, and executed a normal traffic pattern. However, he reported that he encountered a strong downdraft and the glider impacted trees that bordered the selected landing area. The glider sustained substantial damage to both wings.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the glider prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.