Eiriavion Oy PIK-20D N1NZ accident near Benton, Tennessee

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to turn toward a mountain ridge in a thermal, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The glider pilot reported that the day was a “good ridge day” and about 45 minutes into the flight he saw two large birds flying in a thermal. He attempted to enter the same thermal that the birds were in, turning towards a mountain ridge, the same direction the birds were circling. The pilot was carried out of the thermal and entered an area of sinking air which resulted in the glider impacting the ridge. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA115 for the full record.