# NTSB LAX87LA053: Schweizer SGS 2-33, N50CS, Perris, CA, November 9, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 9, 1986, 13:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Perris, CA
- Location: 33.7825° N, 117.2286° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Perris, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7825&lon=-117.2286&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25481
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA053
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25481/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA053

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - in-flight planning/decision - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

A SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33 GLIDER COLLIDED WITH A DRAINAGE DITCH AFTER A FORCED LANDING TWO MILES SHORT OF THE AIRPORT. THE GLIDER LOST LIFT AND WAS UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT DUE TO POWER LINES IN THE FLIGHT PATH. THE PILOT MADE A 180 DEGREE TURN AND LANDED OFF THE AIRPORT IN A FIELD. ON THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED WHEN IT STRUCK A DITCH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N50CS (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 22
- Airframe hours: 3090
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Orange County Soaring Assoc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1986
- Departed: L65, PERRIS, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,012 total, 1,012 in this make and model, 2,012 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19861109063749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861109063749A), Nov 9, 1986: Scwzer SGS233, Perris, CA, Substantial damage. The glider struck a ditch during off airport landing. Non CFI instructor failed to maintain sufficient altitude.

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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