Probable cause
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions, where lift was not sufficient to maintain flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that after departing for local area soaring, he found himself in “dying lift”. He attempted to recover altitude but was unsuccessful. He said that the glider encountered additional “sink” and did not have sufficient altitude to reach the airport. During the forced landing on rough terrain the left wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA365 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Windsor, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Garner Airport (3VA8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS 1-26D
- N-number
- N249AF
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1968
- 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.