Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain altitude due to a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
NTSB analysis
The glider pilot reported that, during the return flight to the airport, he encountered more downdrafts than expected and did not have enough altitude to reach the airport. He selected an area for the forced landing where during the landing roll on the rough terrain, both wings sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR20CA273 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 14, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Warner Springs, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS233
- N-number
- N7547
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1970
- 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.