# NTSB LAX84LA369: Schweizer SGS-126D, N7712S, Lucerne Valley, CA, June 24, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 24, 1984, 10:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Lucerne Valley, CA
- Coordinates: 34.520042, -116.87902 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5200&lon=-116.8790&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24324
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA369
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24324/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA369

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT REPORTED THAT DURING A WINCH LAUNCH WITH A LEFT X-WIND, THE WIND LIFTED THE LEFT WING & THE RIGHT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND. THE GLIDER THEN VEERED TO THE RIGHT & THE RIGHT WING HIT A WIND SOCK & A VEHICLE. HE REPORTED THAT A WIND-SHIFT HAD JUST OCCURRED & THE X-WIND WAS FROM 180 DEGS AT 10 KTS GUSTING TO 15 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7712S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7712S), registered now, S/N 412, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS-126D
- 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: 412
- Airframe hours: 1307
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Southern Ca Soarding Assoc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 23, 1984

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; student; seat: center; flight hours: 18 total, 3 in this make and model, 6 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft overcast
- 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 19840624028469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840624028469A), Jun 24, 1984: Scwzer SGS126D, Lucerne Valley, CA, Substantial damage. During winch tow takeoff, glider swerved into parked truck along side of runway.

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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