Schleicher ASW27 - 18E N297JS accident near Lamy, New Mexico

Probable cause

A loss of glider control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence and the glider’s severe fragmentation.

NTSB analysis

The glider pilot was conducting a cross-country flight with a group of other gliders. One of the pilots in the group reported seeing the accident glider in an unusual attitude during the flight. When the accident pilot did not return from the flight, a search began. The composite glider was found the following day, and it was severely fragmented, which prevented a comprehensive examination; however, no evidence of a preimpact failure was noted.

Although the pilot was at increased risk for an acute cardiac or neurologic event based on his history of cardiovascular disease and stroke, insufficient operational and medical evidence was found to determine whether or not such an event occurred or whether impairment or incapacitation caused or contributed to the accident. Based on the available evidence, the reason for the apparent loss of glider control could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN15LA253 for the full record.