# NTSB LAX02LA291: PZL-Bielsko SZD-42-2 Jantar, N131AS, Hemet, CA, September 21, 2002 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 21, 2002, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Hemet, CA - Coordinates: 33.733333, -117.01667 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7333&lon=-117.0167&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report July 29, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 55759 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX02LA291 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/55759/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA291 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate terrain clearance altitude. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, climb - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor) ## Analysis The glider collided with terrain under unknown circumstances. A witness reported that he and the accident pilot were in separate gliders climbing over the mountains. The accident pilot was about 1,000 feet lower than the witness. Moments later, the witness saw the accident pilot on the side of the mountain with the glider facing downward. Although both gliders were equipped with radios, no radio communications took place. Investigators established control continuity and found no preimpact anomalies. ## Factual narrative On September 21, 2002, about 1330 Pacific daylight time, an experimental PZL-Bielsko SZD-42-2 Jantar glider, N131AS, collided with mountainous terrain near Hemet, California. The private pilot/owner was operating the glider under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries; the glider sustained substantial damage. The personal local flight departed Hemet-Ryan Airport (HMT) about 1140. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. A National Transportation Safety Board investigator interviewed a glider pilot who witnessed the accident. He reported that he and the accident pilot were in separate gliders climbing over the mountains. The accident pilot was about 1,000 feet lower than the witness. Moments later, the witness saw the accident pilot on the side of the mountain with the glider facing downward. He waved to the accident pilot and the accident pilot waved back. Although both gliders were equipped with radios, no radio communications took place. When rescuers arrived at the accident site at 1428, the pilot was found dead and still in the cockpit. The day after the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector responded to the accident scene. He established control continuity and found no preimpact anomalies. The airframe was intact, and the inboard portion of the right wing partially separated from the fuselage at the root. An autopsy was conducted on the pilot by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner on September 23, 2002, with specimens retained for toxicological analysis. The results of the toxicological tests were negative for alcohol and all screened drug substances. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N131AS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N131AS-2008-02-21), registration cancelled 2008-02-21, S/N B-861, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PZL-Bielsko SZD-42-2 JANTAR - Registry model: [Szybowcowy Zaklad Doswiadczaln SZD-42-2 JANTAR 2B](https://openairdocs.org/model/szybowcowy-zaklad-doswiadczaln-szd-42-2-jantar-2b) (registry code 8822001) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Glider - Serial number: B-861 - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Malcolm S. Kyle - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: HMT, HEMET, CA - Destination: HEMET, CA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; injuries: fatal; private; medical: class 2, expired; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 95 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 300° at 7 knots - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 43 °F - Altimeter: 29.90 inHg - Observed at: RIV, 57 nm away ## 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 20020921024979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020921024979A), Sep 21, 2002: Szd SZD422JANTAR, Hemet, CA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (.19) On September 21, 2002, about 1330 pacific daylight time, an experimental pzl-bielsko Szd-42-2 jantar glider, N131AS, collided with terrain under unknown… 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.