Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of lift which resulted in a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, after about 2 hours of ridgeline flying, and during the return leg to the departure airport, he attempted to cross a valley were he encountered "strong turbulent air pushing the glider down." The pilot was able to transition through the valley but was unable to find any "substantial lift" on the opposite side. Unable to locate a suitable forced landing area, the pilot performed a forced landing into trees.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, after about 2 hours of ridgeline flying, and during the return leg to the departure airport, the pilot attempted to cross a valley were he encountered "strong turbulent air pushing the glider down." The pilot was able to transition through the valley but was unable to find any "substantial lift" on the opposite side. Unable to locate a suitable forced landing area, the pilot performed a forced landing into trees.