Amateur-built RS-15 SAILPLANE N15LQ accident near Marysvale, Utah

Probable cause

The glider's encounter with insufficient atmospheric lift to maintain soaring flight.

NTSB analysis

While returning from a flight with a group of other gliders, the accident pilot reported to another pilot flying in the group that his glider was losing a significant amount of altitude and that he would be diverting to another airport. The pilot subsequently reported that the glider lost additional altitude and that he might need to land in a field west of a nearby town. The wreckage was found the following day on a small plateau in an inverted position at the 7,800-foot level on the side of a slope. The debris field consisted of components of the glider, which were all contained near the main wreckage. Strong winds and lenticular clouds were reported near the area of the accident site. It is likely that the glider encountered insufficient atmospheric lift to maintain soaring flight, and the pilot was not able to maintain clearance from terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA356 for the full record.