Rolladen-Schneider Gmbh LS-3 N1359 accident near Winchester, Tennessee

Probable cause

The glider pilot's delayed response to changing weather conditions, which resulted in an off-airport landing into trees.

NTSB analysis

According to the glider pilot, he was participating in a 500-kilometer event when he failed to notice that the weather deteriorated, with overcast skies that prevented the sun from heating the ground and creating the thermal lift he required. He further stated that the glider was too far from a mountain to benefit from mechanical lift, and he was forced to perform a landing into unsuitable terrain. In an effort to cushion the landing, the pilot landed into pine trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. He reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the glider prior to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA206 for the full record.