# NTSB LAX93LA013: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N1176S, Warner Springs, CA, October 17, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 17, 1992, 12:02 local (19:02 UTC)
- Place: Warner Springs, CA
- Coordinates: 33.28096, -116.599411 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2810&lon=-116.5994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27846
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27846/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA013

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PLANNED APPROACH TO THE RUNWAY, AND, HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT ACCELERATED STALL/SPIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - weather condition - downdraft
  - planned approach - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command
  - stall/spin - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED A HIGHER THAN NORMAL SINK RATE ON DOWNWIND AND ENDED UP LOWER THAN NORMAL ABEAM THE END OF THE RUNWAY. INSTEAD OF TURNING BASE EARLY, THE PILOT ELECTED TO CONTINUE ON DOWNWIND AND TURN BASE AT THE CUSTOMARY LOCATION. THE PILOT REALIZED HIS PROBLEM ON BASE AND ATTEMPTED TO TIGHTEN THE TURN TO FINAL TO MAKE THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE CROSS CONTROLLED THE AIRCRAFT WHILE MAKING THE TURN AND THE GLIDER STALLED, THEN SPUN TO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1176S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1176S), registered now, S/N 226, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-33a) (registry code 8051606) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 226
- Airframe hours: 8127
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Bret Willat, doing business as Sky Sailing Airport
- Registered owner: Bret Willat
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, September 21, 1992, 31 hours before
- Departed: CL35
- Destination: CL35
- Airport: CL35, Warner Springs, runway 26, 3,500 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,208 total, 585 in this make and model, 1,124 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 30 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 19921017042439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921017042439A), Oct 17, 1992: Scwzer SGS233A, Warner Springs, CA, Substantial damage. Glider stalled while making a tight base to final turn. Hit the ground short of runway on left wing and nose.

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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