# NTSB LAX84LA327: Schweizer SGS1-26D, N7710S, Lucerne Valley, CA, May 28, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1984, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Lucerne Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 34.520015, -116.880676 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5200&lon=-116.8807&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24292
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA327
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24292/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA327

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (cause)
  - planned approach - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - compensation for wind conditions - not possible, pilot in command
  - aircraft handling - not possible, pilot in command
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HIS GLIDER WAS THE 3RD TO LAUNCH (USING AN AUTO TOW) ON A DISTANCE COMPLETION FLT. HE RELEASED THE TOW CABLE AT ABOUT 900 FT & BEGAN SEARCHING FOR LIFT. NO LIFT WAS FOUND. AFTER A SHORT TIME, HE ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE POINT. WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW ALT ON BASE LEG, A THERMAL WAS ENCOUNTERED AND THE PLT'S VISIBILITY WAS MOMENTARILY RESTRICTED BY A DUST PLUME. AT ABOUT THAT TIME, THE GLIDER STALLED, ITS RIGHT WING TIP CONTACTED TERRAIN & IT CARTWHEELED. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE DIRECTION OF LAUNCH WAS CHANGED DUE TO A WIND SHIFT. THE PLT STATED, THE APCH 'WAS BAD PLANNING ON MY PART.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7710S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7710S), registered now, S/N 411 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS1-26D
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-26D](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-26d) (registry code 8050122) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 411
- Airframe hours: 915
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Long Beach Soaring, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, November 12, 1983, 44 hours before
- Departed: LUCERNE VALLEY, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,822 total, 2 in this make and model, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 99 °F, dew point -0 °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 19840528024139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840528024139A), May 28, 1984: Scwzer SGS126D, Lucerne Valley, CA, Substantial damage. Glider stalled on final approach for downwind landing causing right wing to drop and sailplane to cartwheel.

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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