2004-07-18: Pdps Pzl-bielsko SZD-50-3 — Lone Pine, CA

Casualties unknown • Lone Pine, CA, US

Probable cause

the pilot failed to maintain runway alignment, and misjudged the clearance between the tree and the wing resulting in a collision with the tree.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The glider collided with a tree during landing, and the right wing was torn from the fuselage. After clearing a set of power lines, the glider was 15 feet agl. The pilot saw a tree, and the glider drifted to the right of the runway centerline. He misjudged the clearance between the tree and the wing, and a collision occurred. The glider spun 270 degrees from its original flight path before coming to rest. The pilot recommended flying a higher approach to prevent future accidents. The pilot noted no mechanical malfunctions with the glider prior to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-07-18 Pdps Pzl-bielsko SZD-50-3 accident near Lone Pine, CA?

The glider collided with a tree during landing, and the right wing was torn from the fuselage. After clearing a set of power lines, the glider was 15 feet agl. The pilot saw a tree, and the glider drifted to the right of the runway centerline. He misjudged the clearance between the tree and the wing, and a collision…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-18 involved a Pdps Pzl-bielsko SZD-50-3, registration N19SZ, at Lone Pine, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot failed to maintain runway alignment, and misjudged the clearance between the tree and the wing resulting in a collision with the tree.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040730X01116. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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