Probable cause
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
NTSB analysis
The glider pilot reported that, while returning to his home airport, he was unable to find enough lift and did not have enough altitude to cross a section of land called "The Gap." After he altered course to land at an alternate airport, he attempted to ridge soar but again did not encounter enough lift. He "hugged the ridge top" for as long as he could and then proceeded down a valley in anticipation of landing in a field. Subsequently, the glider collided with trees preceding the field and came to rest suspended in the trees.
The glider sustained substantial damage to both wings and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA196 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 11, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bangor, Pennsylvania
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS126
- N-number
- N17933
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.