Probable cause
The pilot's failure to navigate in hazy conditions, which resulted in a forced landing in a field and a collision with a pole.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the unpowered glider reported that, he experienced “spatial disorientation” due to hazy conditions, and he inadvertently flew the glider in the wrong direction, which was farther away from his intended landing site. The pilot selected an open field as a forced landing site. During the forced landing, the right wing impacted a pole, which resulted in substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA071 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 29, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Huntsville, Utah
- Nearest airport
- (NA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G103 TWIN ASTIR
- N-number
- N8485W
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1980
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.