Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
AN INADVERTENT STALL. FACTORS WERE LOW ALTITUDE AND AIRSPEED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DOWNWIND TURN.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 16, 1994, approximately 1735 central daylight time, a Schweizer SGS 1-26E, N33915, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while maneuvering at Littlefield, Texas. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
According to the pilot's husband, his wife was participating in a glider competition. Because of her injuries, she had no recollection of the accident. Enclosed witness documents report that the glider crossed the finish fence low and slow and started a left turn at mid field to a downwind leg, followed by the left wing dropping and a nose down pitch. They related that impact was nose low, still turning left.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW94LA237