EIRIAVION OY PIK 20B
Marana, AZ — August 5, 2009
Event Information
| Date | August 5, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR09CA389 |
| Event ID | 20090810X74615 |
| Location | Marana, AZ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 32.38805, -111.42167 |
| Airport | El Tiro Gliderport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | EIRIAVION OY |
| Model | PIK 20B |
| 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
A loss of lift that resulted in an off-airport landing.
Full Narrative
While returning from a cross-country glider flight, the pilot reported losing lift and encountering downdrafts along his route. He elected to make an off-airport landing. During the landing approach, the glider impacted the top of a tree at approximately 12 feet above the ground; subsequently, it impacted terrain on the chin of its' fuselage and came to rest in an upright position. The force of the impact resulted in the separation of both wings. Examination of the glider revealed that the fuselage, canopy, and wings were structurally damaged.
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.