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NTSB Report

August 19, 2014 · Schweizer SGS 1 34 Undesignat · N7628

Marana, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Marana, AZ
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS 1 34 Undesignat (1969)
Tail Number
N7628
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR14CA350

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

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.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that during initial climbing 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.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:11 MST
Nearest AirportELTIRO (1nm N)
Runway08R
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGS 1 34 Undesignat
Tail NumberN7628
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 7 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time18:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data