# NTSB LAX02LA079: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N34292, Warner Springs, CA, February 4, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 4, 2002, 12:15 local (20:15 UTC) - Place: Warner Springs, CA - Coordinates: 33.280872, -116.600631 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2809&lon=-116.6006&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 30, 2003 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION - NTSB case key (mKey): 54126 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX02LA079 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/54126/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=54126 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA079 ## Probable cause The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing sequence. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - object - tree(s) - directional control - not maintained, dual student (cause) ## Analysis On approach, the glider drifted off the runway centerline and the left wing contacted a tree and landed hard on the runway. The student pilot was unable to return the glider to the runway centerline after his control input cross-controlled the glider, and it drifted further off the centerline. He maneuvered to avoid a tree and stalled the glider. The pilot noted no mechanical anomalies with the glider. ## Factual narrative On February 4, 2002, about 1215 hours Pacific standard time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N34292, collided with trees on final landing approach and landed hard on runway 26 at the Warner Springs Gliderport (CL35), Warner Springs, California. The glider, owned by Associated Gliders of Southern California and rented by the pilot, was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The glider sustained substantial damage. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area instructional flight and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from CL35. The Safety Board investigator interviewed the student pilot. The pilot stated that he was doing pattern work. The takeoffs were to be circuit tows, and he was to practice frontal slips and normal landings. He stated that this was the first tow of the morning. He was about 800 feet above ground level (agl) and the approach seemed normal; however, there was a little turbulence. He turned on final and attempted a frontal slip to a landing. The glider started to drift to the left. The student pilot stated that he must have cross-controlled the glider and could not return the glider to runway centerline. He maneuvered to avoid a tree and stalled the glider as the left wing contacted the tree. The student pilot stated that the glider "pancaked into the runway." He further stated that there were no mechanical discrepancies with the glider. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N34292](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N34292), registered now, S/N 412, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Schweizer SGS 2-33A - Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-33a) (registry code 8051606) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Glider - Serial number: 412 - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Associated Glider Clubs of Southern California - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 12, 2002, 3,283 hours before - Departed: CL35, Warner Springs, CA - Destination: CL35 - Airport: CL35, Warner Springs, runway 26, 4,700 × 70 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Student pilot; age 59; injuries: none; student; medical: unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 9 total, 9 in this make and model, 9 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 290° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 32 °F - Altimeter: 30.13 inHg - Observed at: CRQ ## 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 20020204002279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020204002279A), Feb 4, 2002: Scwzer SGS233A, Warner Springs, CA, No damage. (-23) Released from tow plane at 800 feet AGL for pattern work and landing practice. Made normal approach to runway 26. Turned onto final and attempted slip… ## Docket (1 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 29, 2003, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=54126. 238 KB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 238 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40386821&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.