Event LAX96LA144

Factual narrative

On March 23, 1996, at 1348 hours Pacific standard time, a Eiriavion Oy PIK 20D glider, N4HT, drug a wing and ground looped while making a forced landing in an open field near Hollister, California. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot and was on a local personal soaring flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the private pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Hollister about 1230. According to the pilot, after an aerial tow aloft he soared in thermals above nearby ridges as he flew toward the San Luis Reservoir. As the thermals began to dissipate he turned back toward Hollister and took what he described as "the long route to [the airport]." The lack of available lift precluded making the airport and he landed in an open field. As the right wing dropped, the tip snagged in a large gopher hole and the aircraft ground looped, damaging the wing and empennage. According to the pilot, after an aerial tow aloft he soared in thermals above nearby ridges as he flew toward the San Luis Reservoir. As the thermals began to dissipate he turned back toward Hollister and took what he described as the long route to [the airport]. The lack of available lift precluded making the airport and he landed in an open field. As the right wing dropped, the tip snagged in a large gopher hole and the aircraft ground looped, damaging the wing and empennage. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12