Probable cause
A loss of aerodynamic lift, which resulted in an off-airport landing and subsequent impact with a pole.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the glider had been aloft for about 30 minutes prior to experiencing a loss of lift. After selecting a field for an off-airport landing, the pilot maneuvered the glider towards the field, and upon touchdown, the left wing contacted a pole. The glider subsequently pivoted left and came to rest upright, resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies of the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15CA005 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 4, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pikeville, Tennessee
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hph Ltd 304CZ
- N-number
- N304AK
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.