NTSB Factual Report

On June 23, 2018, about 1408 mountain standard time, a Schempp-Hirth glider, N7880, sustained substantial damage after impact with terrain while maneuvering near Sampley's Airport (28AZ), Aguila, Arizona. The glider pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The glider was registered to and operated by ARA and Associates, LLC, Phoenix, Arizona. The glider was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a local area personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from 28AZ about 1359.

According to witnesses located at the airport, the pilot arrived at the airport about 1100 local. Witnesses stated the pilot had flown one three-minute flight that morning, in the glider, prior to the accident flight.

The driver of the glider tow vehicle reported that the launch was normal, and no anomalies occurred. He observed the glider depart the upwind and turn right crosswind for the downwind. He noted that the glider was about 1,000 ft above the ground (agl) while on the downwind. He began to reel in the tow wench, about 3 minutes later, and observed the glider near the approach end of runway traveling west. He further reported that the glider made two right 360° turns that he estimated to be about 30° bank angle, while at 400 ft above the ground. The aircraft then abruptly pitched 60 degrees nose down and completed two spins before he lost sight of it. The glider was about 100 ft above the ground when he lost sight of it.

The glider impacted the driveway of a home. The homeowner notified the Aguila Fire Department about 1408. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office was notified at 1418.