Schweizer SGS 2-32 N5826V

Summary

On 30 May 2009 at about 23:30 local time, a Schweizer SGS 2-32 registered N5826V, operated by Sky Sailing Inc, was involved in an accident near Warner Springs, California, United States. 3 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 May 2009 at 23:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Warner Springs, California, United States

Nearest airport

Warner Springs (CL35)

Coordinates

33.3078, -116.5839

Aircraft

Schweizer SGS 2-32

Registration

N5826V

Category

Glider

Operator

Sky Sailing Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Warner Springs → Warner Springs

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR09CA272

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering in flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

After being towed to altitude, the pilot of the glider began soaring above a mountain peak. After making several circular passes over the peak the glider began to descend, and the pilot initiated a turn to an adjacent ridge. As he passed over the ridge, he felt the glider sink and he initiated a descending right turn. During the turn, the pilot felt the glider "jolt" and yaw to the left. He verified that the flight controls functioned correctly, and initiated an uneventful straight-in approach and landing at the departure airport. Postaccident inspection revealed damage consistent with an in-flight collision with a tree. The glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and aileron during the collision.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.