Schweizer SGS 1-34R accident near Maylene, AL
On August 27, 1994, a Schweizer SGS 1-34R (glider) was involved in an accident near Maylene, AL. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.
- Date
- August 27, 1994
- Place
- Maylene, AL
- Aircraft
- Schweizer SGS 1-34R · Glider
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Position
- 33.220°N, 86.871°W
- NTSB ID
- 20001206X01932
Official records · ATL94FA166
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On August 27, 1994, at 1310 central daylight time, a Schweizer SGS 1-34R, N1132S, collided with trees and terrain, following an in-flight separation of the left wing while maneuvering, near Maylene, Alabama. The private pilot was fatally injured. The glider was destroyed. The aircraft was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the Birmingham Soaring Society, Inc. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the local, personal flight. The flight originated at the Flying X Ranch, in Montevallo, Alabama, about 1240. A flying club pilot, Mr. Jerry Linley, observed the accident pilot, Mr. Jack Dunwoody, as he arrived at the Flying X Ranch, prior to the accident flight. They discussed the weather conditions, and the availability of the club's Schweizer SGS 1- 34R. The aircraft was available, and Mr. Dunwoody performed his preflight inspection. He also commented that he would review the aircraft performance speeds. During general conversation, Mr. Dunwoody was observed to be in good health, with no visible signs of stress or preoccupation. Mr. Linley also observed Mr. Dunwoody's takeoff. The launch proceeded smoothly, and the takeoff and initial climb appeared normal. He last observed the aircraft after the release from the tow aircraft, but he did not witness the accident. Several witnesses were located following the accident. One witness reported that he walked out of his back door, and saw the glider, which appeared to be in normal flight. From his vantage point, the glider appeared to be in a left turn, a
Probable cause
THE PILOT EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT, RESULTING IN AN OVERLOAD FAILURE OF THE WING SPAR, AND SEPARATION OF THE LEFT WING FROM THE AIRCRAFT. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLYING EXPERIENCE IN THIS MODEL OF AIRCRAFT.
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Browse: Alabama · Schweizer aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
