Probable cause
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight and subsequent water ditching.
NTSB analysis
The glider pilot reported that, during an early afternoon flight, the glider began to encounter a sink rate. The pilot attempted to find thermals in the area, without success, and decided to return to the departure airport. As the glider continued to lose altitude, the pilot elected to ditch in a lake. The glider landed flat in the water and decelerated rapidly, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. 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 WPR22LA225 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 20, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tahoe Vista, California
- Nearest airport
- Truckee-Tahoe (TRK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Rolladen-Schneider LS-6
- N-number
- N536LS
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1994
- 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.