Schweizer SGS 1 34 N7628

Summary

On 19 August 2014 at about 19:11 local time, a Schweizer SGS 1 34 registered N7628 was involved in an accident near Marana, Arizona, 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

19 August 2014 at 19:11

Classification

Accident

Location

Marana, Arizona, United States

Nearest airport

El Tiro (AZ67)

Coordinates

32.4269, -111.3894

Aircraft

Schweizer SGS 1 34

Registration

N7628

Category

Glider

Year built

1969

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Marana → Marana

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR14CA350

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's failure to ensure the canopy was locked during the pre-takeoff inspection which led to the canopy opening in flight and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the subsequent landing.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during initial climb out, while under tow, the glider's canopy became loose. Despite his attempts he was unable to lock the canopy. As a result of trying to lock the canopy, he lost sight of the tow airplane so he elected to disconnect the tow rope about 300 feet above ground level. The pilot stated that he had to use his left hand to hold the canopy closed during flight and was unable to deploy the spoilers. Without use of the spoilers and a tailwind, the pilot aborted the approach due to the glider traveling too fast for landing so he turned right in an attempt to land on a perpendicular runway. During the landing, the glider encountered additional lift and bounced upon touchdown. The pilot elected to land off-field to the right of the runway. During the landing sequence, the right wing struck a tree and the glider landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot further reported that he failed to ensure the canopy was locked during the pre-takeoff inspection.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.