# NTSB LAX05CA294: Schweizer SGS2-33A, N2054T, Peoria, AZ, September 10, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 10, 2005, 09:48 local (16:48 UTC)
- Place: Peoria, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.700553, -112.250556
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7006&lon=-112.2506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62454
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX05CA294
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62454/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA294

## Probable cause

the pilot's encounter with obstacles and unsuitable terrain in the landing area during the pilot's attempted precautionary landing.  A factor in the accident was the loose wing root gap seal fairing.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - miscellaneous,seal/boot/gasket - loose part/bolt/nut/clamp/etc (contributing factor)
  - anxiety/apprehension, pilot in command
  - precautionary landing - initiated, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, emergency landing after takeoff
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

The student pilot reacted to an unusual noise, released from the tow plane immediately after liftoff, and the glider collided with a cactus.  This was the first flight of the day for the glider and the pilot.  He preflighted the glider, and noted no anomalies.  The tow started from the normal point about midway down runway 23L.  About 10 feet in the air, the pilot heard a metallic flapping sound.  Believing that it might be a structural problem, he released from the tow.  While the pilot was looking for a place to land, the glider hit the ground and bounced.  The glider then hit a cactus plant about 1,200 feet from the runway, and the pilot lost control.  It hit a second cactus with the right wing.  The glider spun around, and collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage.  Post flight examination revealed a loose wing root gap cover fairing.  A ground witness observed the fairing come loose during the takeoff ground roll.  An instructor who flew this glider the previous week reported that the fairing checked good on preflight, but came loose in flight.  The instructor said the glider's handling characteristics were not affected by the loose fairing and he landed uneventfully.

## Factual narrative

This report is based on information received by the National Transportation Safety Board (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: [N2054T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2054T-2012-08-08), registration cancelled 2012-08-08, S/N 494 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer SGS2-33A
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-33a) (registry code 8051606) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 494
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Civil Air Patrol
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: P48, Peoria, AZ
- Destination: Peoria, AZ
- Airport: P48, Pleasant Valley Airport, runway 23L, 4,200 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Student pilot; age 16; injuries: none; student; flight hours: 21 total, 21 in this make and model, 16 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.88 inHg
- Observed at: GYR

## 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 20050910020849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20050910020849A), Sep 10, 2005: Scwzer SGS233A, Peoria, AZ, Substantial damage. (-23) Civil air patrol glider was under tow and had just departed. Solo student pilot heard a "metal flapping noise" and released to tow line. Right wing…

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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