Schweizer SGS 2-32 N5840V

Summary

On 28 August 2011 at about 22:50 local time, a Schweizer SGS 2-32 registered N5840V, operated by Sky Sailing Inc, was involved in an accident near Warner Springs, California, United States. 3 people were on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

28 August 2011 at 22:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Warner Springs, California, United States

Coordinates

33.3144, -116.5814

Aircraft

Schweizer SGS 2-32

Registration

N5840V

Category

Glider

Operator

Sky Sailing Inc

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Warner Springs → Warner Springs

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR11CA411

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot’s inadequate altitude to clear a ridgeline while maneuvering over a mountainous area.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, his release from the tow plane was normal. He released the tow rope at 7,100 feet mean sea level (msl) while over a 6,500-foot msl mountaintop for a planned 1/2-hour sightseeing flight. Little to no indication of lift was noted in the area, and the pilot reversed course. When the glider had descended to 6,900 feet msl and was continuing to rapidly descend, the pilot again reversed course toward lower elevation terrain. The glider’s altitude was insufficient to clear a ridgeline. On the side of the mountain, about 6,400 feet msl, the glider impacted rocks, trees, and shrubs, which resulted in the glider’s wings breaking.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.