# NTSB LAX93LA031: Schweizer SGS 2-32, N5761S, Mokuleia, HI, November 7, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 6, 1992, 15:20 local (Nov 7, 1992, 01:20 UTC)
- Place: Mokuleia, HI
- Coordinates: 21.570413, -158.119583 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=21.5704&lon=-158.1196&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27857
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27857/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA031

## Probable cause

THE FLIGHT'S ENCOUNTER WITH UNFORECASTED UNFAVORABLE WINDS (LOSS OF THERMAL LIFT) AND DOWNDRAFTS WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO THE RUNWAY.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - downdraft (cause)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM AN AERO TOW, THE GLIDER ENCOUNTERED STRONG SINK CONDITIONS.  THE PILOT IMMEDIATELY RETURNED TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT AND EXECUTED A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING.  THE STRONG SINK CONDITIONS CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE APPROACH.  THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO FLARE THE GLIDER AND IT SUSTAINED A HARD LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5761S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5761S), registered now, S/N 59, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 2-32
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-32](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-32) (registry code 8050206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 59
- Airframe hours: 13285
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Honolulu Soaring Club, Inc.
- Registered owner: Honolulu Soaring Club, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 26, 1992, 87 hours before
- Airport: PHDH, Dillingham Airfield, runway 8, 9,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 8,750 total, 280 in this make and model, 5,440 as pilot in command, 115 in the last 90 days, 32 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19921106045849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921106045849A), Nov 6, 1992: Scwzer SGS232, Mokuleia, HI, Substantial damage. Sudden high sink rate in area after tow to altitude. Hard landing on abbreviated final to make the 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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