N5826V

On May 30, 2009, a Schweizer SGS 2-32 (N5826V) was involved in an incident near Warner Springs, CA. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering in flight.

After being towed to altitude, the pilot of the glider began soaring above a mountain peak. After making several circular passes over the peak the glider began to descend, and the pilot initiated a turn to an adjacent ridge. As he passed over the ridge, he felt the glider sink and he initiated a descending right turn. During the turn, the pilot felt the glider "jolt" and yaw to the left. He verified that the flight controls functioned correctly, and initiated an uneventful straight-in approach and landing at the departure airport. Postaccident inspection revealed damage consistent with an in-flight collision with a tree. The glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar and aileron during the collision.

This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR09CA272. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5826V.