Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while maneuvering in flight.
NTSB analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA272 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Warner Springs, California
- Nearest airport
- Warner Springs (CL35)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS 2-32
- N-number
- N5826V
- Category
- Glider
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.