Probable cause
The pilot's encounter with an area of degraded lift during cruise flight, resulting in a forced off-airport landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that during cruise flight in the glider he encountered significant sinking air that prevented him from being able to make his destination glider port. He elected to make an off-field landing into a field. During the landing roll, the left wing contacted the ground and turned the glider to the left. During the turn, the glider's tail assembly separated from the fuselage. There was substantial damage to the tail structure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA288 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 11, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Minden, Nevada
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Burkhart Grob G103C TWIN III ACRO
- N-number
- N41KP
- 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.