Probable cause
The pilot’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the glider reported that, during the return flight to the airport, he encountered a higher sink rate than expected and did not have sufficient altitude to reach the airport. During an emergency landing in a fruit orchard, the glider landing gear contacted utility pole wires, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and 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 WPR22LA364 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 29, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hood River, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Ken Jernstedt Airfield (4S2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schleicher ASW-20
- N-number
- N220CW
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1981
- 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.