Glider spin and impact during intentional stall maneuver

Casualties unknown • Waialua, HI, US

A glider entered an unrecoverable spin during a demonstration maneuver, resulting in an impact with a lake and the subsequent sinking of the aircraft.

What happened

During a flight involving a passenger, the pilot attempted to demonstrate an intentional stall maneuver. While executing a left turn with approximately 15 to 20 degrees of bank, the pilot configured the glider into a stall. During this maneuver, the aircraft stalled with the nose and the left wing dropping.

The aircraft subsequently entered a spin. The pilot attempted to recover by applying full-forward stick input and full rudder deflection opposite the direction of rotation. These recovery efforts were unsuccessful, and the aircraft impacted a lake.

Following the impact, the fuselage remained afloat long enough for both the pilot and the passenger to exit the aircraft and swim to shore. The aircraft then sank in approximately 200 feet of water. There were no injuries reported.

The investigation

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures occurring prior to the impact.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to recover from an inadvertent spin following an intentional stall maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-09-01 Schweizer SGS-2-32 accident near Waialua, HI?

A glider entered an unrecoverable spin during a demonstration maneuver, resulting in an impact with a lake and the subsequent sinking of the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-09-01 involved a Schweizer SGS-2-32, registration N414LF, operated by Steven David Lowry, at Waialua, HI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to recover from an inadvertent spin following an intentional stall maneuver.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050930X01559. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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