Primary finding
Probable cause
The glider pilot's inadequate flight planning, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The glider pilot reported that, at 8,800 ft, he encountered a strong sink rate of about 400-600 ft per minute. He added that he was unable to find any thermals and decided to head towards a nearby airport to land. He soon realized that he would not be able to reach the airport and chose to land on a highway instead. During landing, the wings struck road signs and came to rest on the right side of the highway. The glider sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The glider pilot reported that, at 8,800 ft, he encountered a strong sink rate of about 400-600 ft per minute. He added that he was unable to find any thermals and decided to head towards a nearby airport to land. He soon realized that he would not be able to reach the airport and chose to land on a highway instead. During landing, the wings struck road signs and came to rest on the right side of the highway. The glider sustained substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.