N17888

On October 15, 2007, about 1140 Pacific daylight time, a Schweitzer SGS 2-33A glider, N17888, collided with a fence during landing at Mountain Valley Airport, Tehachapi, California. Skylark North was operating the glider under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot undergoing instruction was not injured. The glider sustained substantial damage. The local flight departed Mountain Valley about 1100. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

In a written report to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot stated that this was his first solo glider flight. The departure, climb, and release were all conducted without incident. After a short flight, he headed back towards the airport and made a standard entry into the traffic pattern. He noted some turbulence on the downwind leg, which caused a decrease in altitude, and he continued the normal approach. On the final leg, the pilot attempted a slight correction to align with the runway. He noted more turbulence at this point, which caused a large decrease in altitude and the right wing tip collided with a wire fence. The glider came to rest facing the fence approximately 50 feet from the runway. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

The instructor of the accident pilot submitted a written statement to the Safety Board. He confirmed that the three previous instructional flights covered basic maneuvers, including normal approach and landing. After the third satisfactory flight, he endorsed the student for solo flight. The instructor witnessed the solo flight and noted that the traffic pattern was flown slightly low.

Several other witnesses also reported to the Safety Board that the glider was low during the traffic pattern and landing. The witnesses said the glider appeared low when compared to other airplanes flying the same pattern. They also noted that the glider had a large bank angle to the right while at a low altitude before landing.

The closest official weather observation station was in Mojave, California (MHV), which was located 14 nm east of the accident site. An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for Mojave issued at 1155 stated the winds were from 180 degrees at 15 knots.