On February 13, 1994, a Schweizer 2-33-A (registration N3622Z) operated by Soar Hawaii, Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Dillingham, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in turbulent conditions, resulting in a stall and loss of control. 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.
A glider stalled while turning from base to final at a low altitude due to strong turbulence and downdrafts, resulting in a cartwheel impact on the runway.
What happened
Ground witnesses observed the glider entering the traffic pattern at an altitude lower than usual, appearing to be slow. The aircraft flew a downwind leg of normal length but stalled while turning from base to final, dragging one wingtip on the ground before cartwheeling into the surface.
The pilot reported in his written statement that he encountered strong turbulence and downdrafts while on final approach. This caused the glider to pitch nose down and roll to the left before impacting the runway.
The investigation
Analysis of the flight dynamics indicated a stall during the critical base-to-final turn. The aircraft's low altitude prevented recovery from the subsequent loss of control and ground impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in turbulent conditions, resulting in a stall and loss of control.
What happened in the 13 Feb 1994 Schweizer 2-33-A accident near Dillingham, HI?
A glider stalled while turning from base to final at a low altitude due to strong turbulence and downdrafts, resulting in a cartwheel impact on the runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Feb 1994 involved a Schweizer 2-33-A, registration N3622Z, operated by Soar Hawaii, Ltd., at Dillingham, HI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in turbulent conditions, resulting in a stall and loss of control.
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