Schweizer SGS 2-32 N9929J accident near Boulder, Colorado

Probable cause

The glider pilot's inability to locate an area of thermal lift.

NTSB analysis

The towplane released the glider at an altitude of about 11,200 feet above mean sea level (msl). The glider then entered an area of lift, which increased the altitude to 14,500 msl. The pilot continued westbound encountering areas of lift and sink. The pilot reported that they were unable to find an area of lift again and the descent rate increased to over 1,000 feet per minute (fpm). The flight instructor on board took over control of the glider and turned back toward the east hoping to find the area of lift that they had encountered earlier in the flight. The flight instructor stated the lift did not materialize and they encountered sink rates of up to 1,600 fpm. The flight instructor located a field in which to land. The flight instructor maneuvered the glider to align with the field and avoid houses as the sink rate continued to be about 1,000 fpm. The left wing contacted a power line, which spun the glider around 180 degrees prior to it coming to rest about 200 feet short of the intended landing area. The glider received substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA079 for the full record.