# NTSB SEA97LA190: Laister LP-49, N40NH, North Plains, OR, August 16, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 16, 1997, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: North Plains, OR
- Coordinates: 45.67094, -123.020362 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6709&lon=-123.0204&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 4, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42675
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA97LA190
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42675/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA190

## Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an inadequate landing site, and his failure to adequately plan his return glide back to his home gliderport.  A factor contributing to the accident was rough terrain.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot was attempting to land back at the gliderport, but was forced to land in an open field located about one-quarter mile away.  During the landing, the glider impacted rough terrain, tumbled, and was substantially damaged. The pilot stated that he should have selected a more suitable field for landing after realizing that he may not make it back to the gliderport.

## Factual narrative

On August 16, 1997, about 1630 Pacific daylight time, N40NH, a Laister LP-49 glider, registered to the owner/pilot, collided with terrain during landing in North Plains, Oregon, and was substantially damaged.  The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.  The personal flight departed from North Plains about 1515 and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector from Hillsboro, Oregon, the pilot was attempting to land back at the gliderport, but was forced to land in an open field located about one-quarter mile away.   During the landing, the glider impacted terrain, tumbled, and was substantially damaged.

According to a written statement (attached) sent to the Safety Board, the pilot stated that he "...should have... selected appropriate land-out field when [altitude above the ground] reached 1500 [feet].  Instead, pilot attempted to reach "home" field."  The pilot also reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N40NH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N40NH-2013-08-06), registration cancelled 2013-08-06, S/N 29, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Laister LP-49
- Registry model: [Laister Sailplane Products LP-49](https://openairdocs.org/model/laister-sailplane-products-lp-49) (registry code 5100102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 29
- Airframe hours: 1290
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Boscole, James
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 5, 1997, 36 hours before
- Departed: 1OR4, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: center; flight hours: 350 total, 55 in this make and model, 28 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: HIO

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19970816022569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970816022569A), Aug 16, 1997: Laistr LP49, North Plains, OR, Substantial damage. Aircraft landed off field, clipped a wing, and flipped over. (.4) on AUGUST16, 1997, about 1630 pacific daylight time, N40NH, a laister LP-49 glider,…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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