Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of directional control during an off-field landing in gusting wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot experienced a loss of lift while soaring and performed an off-field landing to a pasture. During the landing, a gust of wind blew the glider down an embankment and into a barbed wire fence. During the impact with the fence, the left wing sustained leading edge damage, and the empennage separated partially from the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the glider and its systems revealed no preimpact malfunctions or failures.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot experienced a loss of lift while soaring and performed an off field landing to a pasture. During the landing a gust of wind blew the glider down an embankment and into a barbed wire fence. During the impact with the fence, the left wing sustained leading edge damage, and the empennage separated partially from the fuselage. An examination of the glider and its systems revealed no preimpact malfunctions or failures.