Schweizer SGS 1-26D accident near Aguila, AZ
On May 3, 2006, a Schweizer SGS 1-26D (glider) was involved in an accident near Aguila, AZ. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- May 3, 2006
- Place
- Aguila, AZ
- Aircraft
- Schweizer SGS 1-26D · Glider
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 33.923°N, 113.181°W
- NTSB ID
- 20060510X00545
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On May 3, 2006, about 1430 mountain standard time, a non-powered Schweizer SGS 1-26D glider, N7729S, descended into terrain during the initial climb from Sampley's Airport, Aguila, Arizona. The pilot/owner was operating the glider under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries; the glider was substantially damaged. The local personal flight was originating from Aguila at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. A National Transportation Safety Board investigator conducted a telephone interview and received a written statement from the pilot of the airplane that was towing the accident glider. He stated that he was flying a Piper Pawnee, which he frequently utilized to conduct towing operations from Aguila. Prior to departure, he and the accident pilot discussed the proposed tow procedure and release point. The tow was started by both pilots using a series of hand signals and rudder movements to convey that they were prepared for a departure on runway 17. The tow pilot reported that the takeoff acceleration was normal, and with utilization of a rearview mirror, he observed the glider become airborne in a normal trailing position. As the tow plane accelerated to about 50 miles per hour (mph), he became airborne and initiated a gradual climb at 70 mph. The tow plane progressed about 800 to 900 feet down the runway and was at an altitude of about 15 to 30 feet above ground level (agl), when the tow pilot felt as if the tail was being pulle
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider during takeoff-initial climb, which resulted in a broken tow rope, a spiral, and an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident is the pilot's failure to correct the spiral.
More accidents in AZ
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Browse: Arizona · 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.
