On October 23, 1983, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A (registration N7558) was involved in an aviation accident near New River, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing by lowering the wrong wing, which resulted in the glider drifting into a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot on his ninth solo flight landed a glider with a crosswind, drifted into bushes, and struck a tree.
What happened
The incident involved a student pilot conducting his ninth solo landing in a glider. The aircraft touched down on runway 27 while encountering a crosswind from 200 degrees at a speed of 10 knots. Upon initial contact with the ground, the glider drifted northward into some bushes. It then swerved directly into a tree.
The pilot reported that immediately after landing, he lowered the wrong wing, specifically the right wing. This control input allowed the aircraft to drift further north, leading to the collision with the tree.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the final phase of flight. Examination revealed that the glider sustained damage from the impact with the tree after drifting through vegetation.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing by lowering the wrong wing, which resulted in the glider drifting into a tree.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Oct 1983 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near New River, AZ?
A student pilot on his ninth solo flight landed a glider with a crosswind, drifted into bushes, and struck a tree.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Oct 1983 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N7558, at New River, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing by lowering the wrong wing, which resulted in the glider drifting into a tree.
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