# NTSB DEN92FA048: Schweizer SGS 1-34, N7642, Elbert, CO, April 25, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 25, 1992, 14:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Elbert, CO
- Coordinates: 39.219959, -104.530899 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2200&lon=-104.5309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 1, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18150
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN92FA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18150/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN92FA048

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE GLIDER RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE RIGHT WING. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S LIMITED EXPERIENCE IN THE SCHWEIZER SGS 1-34.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - wing - overload
  - wing - separation
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE GLIDER WAS OBSERVED IN A VERTICAL DIVE APRX 1,500 FT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL.  AT 500 FT THE RIGHT WING SEPARATED.  THE PILOT HAD PREVIOUSLY FLOWN THE GLIDER FOR 15 MINUTES AND 10 MINUTES ON 4/23/92, AN ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT HAD FLOWN THE GLIDER FOR 30 MINUTES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7642](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7642-1992-06-05), registration cancelled 1992-06-05, S/N 22 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 1-34
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-34](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-34) (registry code 8050146) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 22
- Airframe hours: 1874
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Soar Black Forest, Inc., doing business as Black Forest Soaring Society
- Registered owner: Hans Arnold
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 23, 1991, 50 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 66 total, 1 in this make and model, 20 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 65 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920425011069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920425011069A), Apr 25, 1992: Scwzer SGS134, Elbert, CO, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Observed diving to ground minus right wing. Separation due to overload.

## Other investigations on N7642 (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB DEN82DA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA114), Jun 24, 1982: Schweizer SGS 1-34 (N7642), Colorado Spring, CO, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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