Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while ridge-soaring in gusty wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was ridge-soaring in his glider near a mountain peak in gusty wind conditions, when he was blown into trees. The glider sustained substantial damage to the airframe and wings. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the glider. He said that he was unfamiliar with the terrain and the wind gusts and down-drafts were higher than he anticipated.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA336 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 2, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Corona, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- None
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schempp-Hirth VENTUS-2B
- N-number
- N62TW
- Category
- Glider
- 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.