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Casualties unknown

Glider Collides with Treetops After Sudden Cloud Encounter (N15SH)

Waialua, HI, US

On May 23, 1990, a Schweizer SGS 1-26 (registration N15SH) operated by Soar Hawaii, Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Waialua, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM CLOUDS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that his glider was unexpectedly lifted into clouds while ridge soaring, then descended to find himself less than 100 feet above a tree-covered hill, colliding with treetops and settling into the forest canopy.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was ridge soaring along hill slopes when the glider was suddenly lifted into the clouds. The pilot attempted to steer a northerly heading away from the hills, but the glider was equipped with only basic instruments. Descending out of the clouds, the pilot found the glider less than 100 feet above a tree-covered hill. The glider then collided with the tops of the trees and settled into the forest canopy.

Pilot Report

The student pilot stated that while working the hill slopes in ridge lift, the glider was unexpectedly carried upward into the clouds. With only basic instruments available, the pilot tried to maintain a northerly course away from the terrain. Upon descending, the pilot realized the proximity to the wooded hilltop moments before impact.

Damage and Aftermath

The glider struck the treetops and came to rest within the forest canopy. No further details were provided regarding damage or injuries.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 May 1990 Schweizer SGS 1-26 accident near Waialua, HI?

A student pilot reported that his glider was unexpectedly lifted into clouds while ridge soaring, then descended to find himself less than 100 feet above a tree-covered hill, colliding with treetops and settling into the forest canopy.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 May 1990 involved a Schweizer SGS 1-26, registration N15SH, operated by Soar Hawaii, Ltd., at Waialua, HI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM CLOUDS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23189. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.