Probable cause
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot in the glider, during a cross-country flight, promising cloud formations did not provide lift, as he anticipated. The glider did not have sufficient altitude to reach the airport, and a forced landing ensued. During the landing roll, the glider’s wingtip contacted the gravel surface and precipitated a ground-loop. The glider sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage.
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 WPR25LA177 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 11, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tonasket, Washington
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
LS-7WL
- N-number
- N78AW
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1989
- 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.