Probable cause
A loss of lift which necessitated a forced landing in a field.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the glider experienced a loss of lift during a cross country flight and he executed an off-airport approach and landing to a field. During the landing flare, the glider’s left wing struck a fence post. Subsequently the glider landed sideways and came to rest upright. Examination of the glider revealed that the left wing spar and the fuselage were structurally damaged. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the glider’s flight control systems.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA344 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 14, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lake Riverside, California
- Nearest airport
- Lake Riverside Estates Airport (54CL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS 1-26A
- N-number
- N2701Z
- Category
- Glider
- 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.