Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER SGS 1-26B near Murrieta, CA — 2011-12-28

Final reportWPR12CA072
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Date
2011-12-28
Location
Murrieta, CA, USA
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER SGS 1-26B
Registration
N8641R
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The glider's encounter with insufficient atmospheric lift to maintain soaring flight.

NTSB narrative

During a solo instructional glider flight, the student pilot released from the tow airplane at a planned altitude of 4,250 feet mean sea level. Upon the release, the student pilot was not able to locate any up-currents, and the sink rates the glider encountered varied between 200 to 600 feet per minute. The pilot stated that there was insufficient lift to clear the ridge safely and glide back to the airport, so he selected two open fields for a possible off-field landing. The pilot stated that, on final approach to the field, he observed signs between the glider’s current position and the intended landing site that he had not seen during his fly-by inspection. He maneuvered around the obstructions and decided to land on a road. The glider landed on the road, and the right wing collided with a previously unseen mailbox post, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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