Schweizer SGS 2-33A N2905H accident near Falcon, Colorado

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control during takeoff which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and an impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor stated that during the ground launch he rotated the glider and then accelerated in ground effect before he pulled aft stick to accelerate on the launch arc. He then applied right stick correction for runway alignment after which a gust of wind lifted the right wing. The flight instructor was unable to counter the left roll with flight control inputs and the glider stalled. The tow rope, once side loaded, automatically disconnected as designed. The left wing impacted the ground which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and empennage. The flight instructor stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal glider operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA133 for the full record.