Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain glider control when it encountered a strong downdraft while maneuvering near a ridgeline.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was participating in a mountain flying training course when the glider encountered a strong downdraft while maneuvering near a mountain ridge and lost lift. The pilot was unable to arrest the glider's descent rate, and the left wing impacted a tree. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA232 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Logan, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Logan-Cache (LGU)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schleicher ASW 20B
- N-number
- N20YZ
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1984
- 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.