Probable cause
The pilot’s inability to make it to the airport as a result of his inadequate planning for the gusting headwinds.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after a normal release about 2 miles north of the airport at 3,000 feet, he turned the glider south towards the airport. Approximately 1 mile from the airport the glider encountered strong winds from the south and it entered a high rate of descent with minimal forward motion. The pilot determined the glider would not make the airport and he executed an off-airport landing. During the landing, the right wing struck a bush and the glider ground-looped, substantially damaging its wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe prior to the accident. An airport located about 9 miles to the east of the accident airport indicated at the time of the accident wind was from 180 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA389 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 6, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Adelanto, California
- Nearest airport
- Krey Field (0CL1)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Let L 33 SOLO
- N-number
- N315BA
- 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.