SCHLEICHER ASW-20C
Unionville, PA — May 9, 2010
Event Information
| Date | May 9, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA10CA260 |
| Event ID | 20100511X25416 |
| Location | Unionville, PA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.88361, -77.90444 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | SCHLEICHER |
| Model | ASW-20C |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's lack of remedial action in response to a loss of altitude, which led to a forced landing in unsuitable terrain.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, this was intended as an “out & return” recreational flight. He intended to climb via thermals to get across a five-mile gap between ridges, but was unable to gain altitude. He then attempted to turn to a “spur” that was separate from the main ridge to gain lift, but while performing the maneuvers, the glider continued to lose altitude “in sinking air.” The glider subsequently impacted trees and came to rest inverted, seriously injuring the pilot. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the glider. He stated that in retrospect, he should have released the 10 gallons of water ballast in each wing and deployed positive flaps. A weather observation taken approximately at the time of the accident, 35 miles from the accident site, recorded the wind as 290 degrees at 13 knots, gusting 20 knots.
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.