NORTH PLAINS, OR, USA
N40NH
Laister LP-49
The pilot was attempting to land back at the gliderport, but was forced to land in an open field located about one-quarter mile away. During the landing, the glider impacted rough terrain, tumbled, and was substantially damaged. The pilot stated that he should have selected a more suitable field for landing after realizing that he may not make it back to the gliderport.
On August 16, 1997, about 1630 Pacific daylight time, N40NH, a Laister LP-49 glider, registered to the owner/pilot, collided with terrain during landing in North Plains, Oregon, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight departed from North Plains about 1515 and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector from Hillsboro, Oregon, the pilot was attempting to land back at the gliderport, but was forced to land in an open field located about one-quarter mile away. During the landing, the glider impacted terrain, tumbled, and was substantially damaged. According to a written statement (attached) sent to the Safety Board, the pilot stated that he "...should have... selected appropriate land-out field when [altitude above the ground] reached 1500 [feet]. Instead, pilot attempted to reach "home" field." The pilot also reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
The pilot's selection of an inadequate landing site, and his failure to adequately plan his return glide back to his home gliderport. A factor contributing to the accident was rough terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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