Aviation Accident Summary NYC06CA076

Hardwick, NJ, USA

Aircraft #1

N153PS

PZL-Swidnik PW-5

Analysis

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.

Factual Information

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.

Probable Cause and Findings

A loss of lift which resulted in a forced landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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