Probable cause
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain?flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of a powered glider reported that, after the engine had been shut down and the propeller stowed, he encountered more downdrafts?than expected. The glider did not have sufficient altitude to reach the airport or to re-deploy the engine. During the forced landing on rough terrain, a wing impacted vegetation and ground looped, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the powered glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA216 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 24, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Parowan, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Parowan Airport (1L9)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Alexander Schleicher Gmbh & Co ASH 31 MI
- N-number
- N517PB
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 2018
- 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.