NTSB Factual Report

On July 18, 2004, about 1530 Pacific daylight time, a PDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-50-3 glider, N19SZ, collided with a tree during landing at the Lone Pine Airport, Lone Pine, California. Associated Glider Clubs of Southern California, Inc., was operating the glider under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one pilot-rated passenger were not injured; the glider sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local area flight. The glider departed through the assistance of a tow plane from the Lone Pine Airport about 1330.

The pilot reported that during landing, the glider cleared a set of power lines. At 15 feet above ground level, the right wing impacted a tree branch; the glider spun around and came to rest 270 degrees from the original flight path. To prevent future accidents the pilot recommended flying a higher approach. The pilot noted no mechanical malfunctions with the glider prior to the accident.

In a separate conversation, the pilot reported that he misjudged the clearance between the glider and the tree. During final, the glider drifted from the runway centerline to the right. The wing of the glider impacted the tree. The right wing was torn from the fuselage during the collision sequence.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot failed to maintain runway alignment, and misjudged the clearance between the tree and the wing resulting in a collision with the tree.