LAX85FA293

Factual narrative

THE PLT WAS PARTICIPATING IN A X-COUNTRY SOARING COMPETITION. HE RELEASED FROM THE TOW AT 5,000 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL. ABOUT ONE HOUR LATER HE IMFORMED HIS CREW BY RADIO THAT HE HAD COVERED 80 PERCENT OF THE FIRST LEG AND THAT HE WAS 'DOING FINE.' THE FLT DID NOT RETURN AND THE WRECKAGE WAS FOUND THE FOLLOWING MORNING 35 MILES SOUTH OF THE DEPARTURE POINT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A PRE-IMPACT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF THE SAIL-PLANE. THE PLT WAS CERTIFICATED AND QUALIFIED FOR THE FLT. OTHER CONTESTANTS REPORTED THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR WITH STRONG, GUSTY SURFACE WINDS. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12