# NTSB LAX05CA284: Schweizer SGS-2-32, N414LF, Waialua, HI, September 1, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: August 31, 2005, 16:00 local (Sep 1, 2005, 02:00 UTC)
- Place: Waialua, HI
- Coordinates: 21.579444, -158.197219
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=21.5794&lon=-158.1972&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report December 20, 2005
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62376
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX05CA284
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62376/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA284

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadvertent spin entry while practicing a stall maneuver and his failure to regain control of the glider before impacting a lake.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - stall - intentional, pilot in command
  - stall/spin - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft control - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

During the pilot's intentional stall maneuver, the glider inadvertently entered a spin from which he could not recover prior to impact with a lake.  While in a left turn of approximately 15 to 20 degrees of bank, the pilot configured the glider into a stall in an effort to demonstrate the maneuver to the passenger.  The glider stalled with both the nose and left wing dropping.  Despite the pilot's attempts, the glider did not recover from the stall and subsequently entered a spin.  Attempting to recover from the inadvertent spin, the pilot applied a full-forward stick input and full rudder deflection opposite the direction of rotation.  The pilot's recovery efforts were unsuccessful and the glider impacted a lake.  The fuselage floated long enough for the pilot and passenger to get out and swim to shore.  The glider then sank in about 200 feet of water.  The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures.

## Factual narrative

This report is based on information received by the NTSB.  Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case.  For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N414LF](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N414LF-2012-09-05), registration cancelled 2012-09-05, S/N 85, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer SGS-2-32
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-32](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-32) (registry code 8050206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 095
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Steven David Lowry, doing business as Aeroflight International LLC
- Registered owner: Northshore Aircraft Leasing Co LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: HDH, Waialua, HI
- Destination: HDH, Waialua, HI
- Airport: PHDH, Dillingham Airfield

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; flight hours: 20,000 total, 45 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 20050831026379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050831026379A), Aug 31, 2005: Scwzer SGS232, Mokuleia, HI, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot stated that after conducting an initial clearing turn, a stall was conducted with a normal recovery. After a discussion of airspeeds with the…

## Other investigations on N414LF (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 NYC89LA197](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA197), Aug 19, 1989: Schweizer SGS-2-32 (N414LF), Plymouth, CT, substantial damage. Probable cause: IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDETN WAS: THE DOWNDRAFT.

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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