# NTSB LAX83LA347: Schweizer SGS 1-26B, N5743S, Phelan, CA, June 26, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 26, 1983, 15:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Phelan, CA
- Coordinates: 34.419723, -117.479736 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4197&lon=-117.4797&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23793
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA347
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23793/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA347

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, cruise
  - weather condition (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ON A LOCAL FLT, THERMAL ACTIVITY DECREASED, SO THE GLIDER PLT HEADED BACK TO THE ARPT. ON THE WAY BACK, HE ENCOUNTED AN AREA OF SINKING AIR & LOST 1500 TO 2000 FT OF ALT. HE ELECTED TO LAND ON A ROAD. DURING THE ROLL-OUT, THE LEFT WING HIT A DIRT SHOULDER BESIDE THE ROAD & THE GLIDER GROUND LOOPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5743S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5743S), registered now, S/N 391, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 1-26B
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-26B](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-26b) (registry code 8050118) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 391
- Airframe hours: 1171
- Engines: NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: Unknown
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary M. Nakatani
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 4, 1983, 4 hours before
- Departed: L69, ELMIRAGE, CA
- Airport: Elmirage Sky Ranch, runway 25, 3,200 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 398 total, 30 in this make and model, 270 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 10 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °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 19830626038799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830626038799A), Jun 26, 1983: Scwzer SGS126B, Phelan, CA, Substantial damage. Glider crashed during off airport landing when pilot unable to make it back to airport.

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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