LAX95LA164

The pilot reported that this was the third flight of the day in the same model of glider from pleasant valley. He said he was familiar with the area and was observant of the local weather conditions. According to the pilot, after being towed to 3,000 feet above ground level and thereafter flying between 15 and 20 minutes, he entered the normal landing traffic pattern. Immediately after turning onto the base leg, he became aware that the glider was 'losing a great deal of altitude.' The pilot further reported that he 'immediately turned again to angle sharply toward the runway, rather than flying square base and final legs.' With insufficient altitude to return to the airstrip, and with the glider descending rapidly, the pilot made an off-field landing about 1/4 mile east of runway 21. The local wind was from 210 degrees, at 10 knots with gusts to 16 knots.

On April 7, 1995, at 1600 mountain standard time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N7758S, landed in rough terrain approximately 1/4 mile east of runway 23L at the Pleasant Valley (private) Airstrip, Peoria, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight. The glider received minor damage, and the commercial pilot was seriously injured. The flight originated from Peoria, Arizona, at 1540.

In the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report," National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Form 6120.1/2, he reported that, earlier in the day, he had twice flown the same model of glider from Pleasant Valley, he was familiar with the area, and was observant of the local weather conditions. The accident occurred during the pilot's third flight.

According to the pilot, after being towed to 3,000 feet above ground level and thereafter flying between 15 and 20 minutes, he entered the normal landing traffic pattern. Immediately after turning onto the base leg, the pilot indicated that he became aware the glider was "losing a great deal of altitude." The pilot further reported that he "immediately turned again to angle sharply toward the runway, rather than flying square base and final legs."

With insufficient altitude to return to the airstrip, the pilot prepared for an off-field landing in the desert terrain. The pilot additionally indicated that he was not certain "whether strong downdrafts" or his effort at "attempting to 'stretch' the glide" were factors in the gliders rapid descent during the final 20 to 40 feet. However, he was certain that the touchdown occurred while in a slight nose-down attitude and "with a substantial blow."