Tahoe Vista, CA, USA
N536LS
ROLLADEN-SCHNEIDER LS-6
The glider pilot reported that, during an early afternoon flight, the glider began to encounter a sink rate. The pilot attempted to find thermals in the area, without success, and decided to return to the departure airport. As the glider continued to lose altitude, the pilot elected to ditch in a lake. The glider landed flat in the water and decelerated rapidly, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight and subsequent water ditching.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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