Hph Ltd GLASFLUGEL 304CZ N304BS accident near Xenia, Ohio

Probable cause

The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where lift was not sufficient to maintain flight.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the glider was on a local flight and reported that the thermal lift began to dissipate. Upon reaching about 1,000 ft above ground level, he found a field for an off-airport landing. During the subsequent landing, the glider’s left wing struck an undulation in the terrain, which resulted in the right wing lifting and the nose of the glider impacting the ground. The glider’s empennage separated from the fuselage and was substantially damaged. 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 ERA26LA311 for the full record.