Probable cause
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that while turning final, the glider encountered a loss of lift and there was not sufficient altitude to reach the airport. The instructor chose to land in an orchard, and during the landing roll, the glider struck several small trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 19, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hood River, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Ken Jernstedt Airfield (4S2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS 2-33A
- N-number
- N5786S
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1968
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.