Alexander Schleicher GMBH & CO ASH 31 MI accident near Williams, California, April 13, 2026
On April 13, 2026 at about 5:51 pm local time, a 2013 Alexander Schleicher GMBH & CO ASH 31 MI (glider), registered N77UK, was substantially damaged in an accident during initial climb near Williams, California (Williams Gliderport airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The NTSB has not yet published a probable cause for this accident. Investigations usually take one to two years; this page updates when the final report is released.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- April 13, 2026 · about 5:51 pm local time
- Place
- Williams, California · Williams Gliderport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Alexander Schleicher GMBH & CO ASH 31 MI, built 2013
- Registration
- N77UK · registry record · serial 31088
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative preliminary · quoted from the NTSB record
On April 13, 2026, about 1051 Pacific standard time, an experimental Alexander Schleicher GMBH and Co., Ash 31 Mi Glider, N77UK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Williams, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed from Williams Gliderport (CN12), Williams, California, in the self-launching motorglider. During climbout, about 200 ft above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot verified that the emergency fuel pump was on and then reviewed his landing options. There were power lines straight ahead, so he opted to perform a right turn back to the runway. However, during the turn, the right wingtip struck terrain. Subsequently, the glider’s nose and main gear impacted a plowed field and resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. Witnesses located at the airport reported observing the glider depart uneventfully until it passed behind a hangar and was no longer visible. Shortly thereafter, the witnesses observed the glider again in a steep right turn. The glider was recovered for further examination.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during initial climb defining event
- Off-field or emergency landing during maneuvering
- Controlled flight into terrain or object (CFIT) during maneuvering
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 1,060 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, February 17, 2026
- Maximum gross weight: 1,389 lb
- Seats: 1
- Landing gear: retractable
The flight
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 34, 2,500 ft by 40 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 350° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: scat at 2,400 ft
- Temperature: 61°F (16°C), dew point 46°F (8°C)
- Altimeter: 30.11 inHg
- Observation at 11:00 am from KBAB, 33 miles away
Weather report (METAR): METAR KBAB 131755Z 35009KT 10SM SCT024 16/08 A3011 RMK AO2A SLP199 T01570075 10157 20078 51006 $
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The NTSB has not released the docket for this case yet. The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), is usually released when the investigation is nearly complete, and the list here is refreshed when it appears. Check at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.