Schweizer SGS 1-23D N91896

Summary

On 11 December 2010 at about 20:30 local time, a Schweizer SGS 1-23D registered N91896, operated by Atlantic Soaring Club Inc, was involved in an accident near Aberdeen, Maryland, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 December 2010 at 20:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Aberdeen, Maryland, United States

Nearest airport

Harford County Airport (0W3)

Coordinates

39.5522, -76.1956

Aircraft

Schweizer SGS 1-23D

Registration

N91896

Category

Glider

Operator

Atlantic Soaring Club Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Aberdeen → Aberdeen

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA11CA087

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's loss of control during an intentional aerobatic maneuver (spin) resulting in a collision with trees.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, on his second flight of the day, he initiated a spin to the right around 3,200 feet. After approximately three-quarters of a turn, he attempted to recover from the spin by applying left rudder. He felt no resistance upon application of the rudder and the glider felt unresponsive. As he neared the ground, the pilot was able to maneuver toward trees. The glider impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. The glider remained in the tree for several days due to snow and ice storms before it could be recovered. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the rudder turnbuckles were set per the maintenance manual and the rudder return springs were intact and not stretched. The rudder controls functioned properly when manipulated.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.