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Casualties unknown

Glider Impacts Ground After Spin During Familiarization Flight (N7215L)

California City, CA, US

On July 17, 1998, a Pzl-bielsko SZD 50-3 (registration N7215L) was involved in an aviation accident near California City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the first and/or second pilot to obtain and maintain control of the aircraft after stalling and entering a spin. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A glider on a familiarization flight spun and impacted terrain after being released from tow. Post-accident examination found no preimpact failure.

Flight Purpose

The flight was intended to familiarize a second pilot with a new type of glider that he had not previously flown. The first pilot was authorized to perform checkouts for the private flying club.

Sequence of Events

The tow plane released the glider approximately 2 miles from the departure airport at an altitude of 2,000 feet above ground level. About 15 minutes later, the pilot of another glider noticed the accident aircraft when it was approximately 4 miles distant. The witness's attention was drawn by sunlight glistening off the wings as the glider spun in a nose-low attitude. The aircraft completed approximately three turns before impacting the ground.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the aircraft.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jul 1998 Pzl-bielsko SZD 50-3 accident near California City, CA?

A glider on a familiarization flight spun and impacted terrain after being released from tow. Post-accident examination found no preimpact failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jul 1998 involved a Pzl-bielsko SZD 50-3, registration N7215L, at California City, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the first and/or second pilot to obtain and maintain control of the aircraft after stalling and entering a spin.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10620. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.