Summary
On October 28, 1993, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A (N7779S) was involved in an incident near Mokuleia, HI. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The student pilot's misjudgement of descent rate and terrain clearance while manuevering along a ridgeline. Factors in the accident were the downdrafts and the mountainous/hilly nature of the terrain.
On October 27, 1993, at 1430 Hawaiian standard time, a Schweitzer SGS 2-33A, N7779S, struck a tree with the right wing while soaring along a ridge line. The student pilot was conducting a local visual flight rules solo instructional flight. The glider, operated by Honolulu Soaring Club, Inc., sustained substantial damage. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Dillingham Airfield, Waialua, Hawaii, at 1330 Hawaiian standard time.
According to FAA Inspectors, the student pilot was operating in weak ridge conditions and encountered a sinking air mass. In so doing, the right wing of the glider struck a tree.
This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX94LA027. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7779S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the student pilot's misjudgement of descent rate and terrain clearance while manuevering along a ridgeline. Factors in the accident were the downdrafts and the mountainous/hilly nature of the terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On October 27, 1993, at 1430 Hawaiian standard time, a Schweitzer SGS 2-33A, N7779S, struck a tree with the right wing while soaring along a ridge line. The student pilot was conducting a local visual flight rules solo instructional flight. The glider, operated by Honolulu Soaring Club, Inc., sustained substantial damage. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at Dillingham Airfield, Waialua, Hawaii, at 1330 Hawaiian standard time.
According to FAA Inspectors, the student pilot was operating in weak ridge conditions and encountered a sinking air mass. In so doing, the right wing of the glider struck a tree. The pilot was able to continue the flight and landed at Dillingham Airfield without further incident. An off-duty FSDO supervisor saw the aircraft in the hangar and noticed damage which consisted of a five inch dent in the leading edge between the third and fourth wing ribs, counting inboard from the tip. The skin was severely wrinkled, extending from the impact point on the leading edge, aft to the trailing edge.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX94LA027