SCHWEIZER SGS 2-32 near Bigfork, MT — 2011-07-08

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his excessive control inputs during a simulated rope break while taking off, which resulted in an accelerated aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

The pilot examiner reported that the purpose of the flight was to renew the pilot’s flight instructor certificate; the accident flight was the second flight of the day. Prior to the accident flight, the examiner briefed the tow plane pilot and the pilot receiving the glider check ride that the next flight would be a simulated rope break during takeoff at an altitude of about 260 feet above the ground. The examiner reported that during takeoff, he released the tow rope at 260 feet and noticed that the glider’s airspeed was slowing. He informed the pilot to increase the airspeed and bank the glider until it was lined up with runway. The examiner stated that before the glider was aligned with the runway, the pilot made a quick control stick movement to the right, which caused an accelerated stall. Multiple witnesses observed the glider depart the airport uneventfully via a tow airplane. As the glider ascended through about 200 to 300 feet, it appeared to release from the tow rope. Shortly after, the glider was observed entering a steep right bank and descended into the ground. A postaccident examination of the airframe revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have maintained control and avoided the accelerated stall during the right turn.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Approach-VFR pattern final

Evidence available

• Photos
• 17 docket documents

Docket documents17

• Evidence Control Formform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Pilot Examinerform
• Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
• Pilot Examiner Statementinterview
• Witness Statementsinterview
• Summary of NTSB Airframe Examinationother
• Materials Laboratory 15 - Factual Report 12-094 (6 Embedded Images)photos
• Photo 1: View of the accident site and wreckage. Courtesy of the FAA.photos
• Photo 2: View of the accident site and wreckage. Courtesy of the FAA.photos
• Photo 3: View of the accident site and wreckage. Courtesy of the FAA.photos
• Photo 4: View of the rear shoulder restraint and attach point. Courtesy of the FAA.photos
• Photo 5: View of the forward shoulder restraint and attach point. Courtesy of the FAA.photos
• Photo 6: View of the rear shoulder restraint attach point.photos
• Photo 7: View of the forward shoulder restraint attach point.photos
• Photo 8: View of the forward shoulder restraint attach point.photos
• Photo 9: View of the instrument panel.photos
• Toxicological Report - Pilotreport

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