Ams Flight CARAT A N11DY accident near Minden, Nevada

Probable cause

Impact with terrain for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot departed in the motor glider in day visual meteorological conditions and transmitted over the airport's common traffic advisory frequency that he would be conducting a "right turn out" after takeoff. About 6 minutes later, the pilot transmitted that he was 4 miles east of the airport and climbing. No further radio transmissions were received from the glider. Data from an onboard GPS unit indicated that, after departing, the glider proceeded east-northeast for several minutes, then conducted several climbing 360° turns consistent with circling in thermal activity up to a GPS altitude of about 8,500 ft. The glider then assumed a southerly heading and continued on that heading for about 1 minute before the data ended in the vicinity of the accident site.

The wreckage was oriented on a northerly heading in rocky, mountainous terrain at an elevation of about 6,050 ft mean sea level about 7 nautical miles east-northeast of the departure airport. Although it came to rest near powerlines, there was no apparent indication that the glider contacted the lines before impacting terrain. Postaccident examination indicated that the glider was configured for gliding with the engine off and the propeller and landing gear stowed at the time of impact. Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. An autopsy and toxicology testing of the pilot and did not provide any evidence of physiological impairment or incapacitation. The investigation was unable to determine why the glider impacted terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16FA160 for the full record.