Schweizer SGS 1-23D accident near Aberdeen, Maryland, December 11, 2010
On December 11, 2010 at about 8:30 pm local time, a Schweizer SGS 1-23D (glider), registered N91896, was substantially damaged in an accident during maneuvering (aerobatics) near Aberdeen, Maryland (Harford County Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
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The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's loss of control during an intentional aerobatic maneuver (spin) resulting in a collision with trees.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 4, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- December 11, 2010 · about 8:30 pm local time
- Place
- Aberdeen, Maryland · Harford County Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Schweizer SGS 1-23D · all SGS 1-23Ds on the register
- Registration
- N91896 · registry record · serial 28
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
According to the pilot, on his second flight of the day, he initiated a spin to the right around 3,200 feet. After approximately three-quarters of a turn, he attempted to recover from the spin by applying left rudder. He felt no resistance upon application of the rudder and the glider felt unresponsive. As he neared the ground, the pilot was able to maneuver toward trees. The glider impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. The glider remained in the tree for several days due to snow and ice storms before it could be recovered. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the rudder turnbuckles were set per the maintenance manual and the rudder return springs were intact and not stretched. The rudder controls functioned properly when manipulated.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Aerodynamic stall/spin during maneuvering (aerobatics)
- Loss of control in flight during maneuvering (aerobatics) defining event
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during uncontrolled descent
The NTSB's findings
- cause Personnel issues › Action/decision › Action › Incorrect action performance › Pilot
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › (general) › (general) › Not attained/maintained
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land; rotorcraft: glider
- Flight time: 600 hours in all; 100 in this make and model
- Last flight review: May 15, 2010
- Medical certificate: None
- Seat: sngl
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 1,117 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, March 20, 2010
- Maximum gross weight: 700 lb
- Seats: 1
- Landing gear: fixed
- Operator: Atlantic Soaring Club INC
The flight
- Departed from: 0W3 Aberdeen MD at 8:10 pm
- Destination: 0W3 Aberdeen MD
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 080° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Sky: overcast at 10,000 ft
- Temperature: 41°F (5°C), dew point 30°F (-1°C)
- Altimeter: 30.20 inHg
- Observation at 7:50 pm from MTN, 18 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flig | 1 |
About this page
Everything above comes from the NTSB's public accident database: the narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words, and the coded tables behind its report (pilot, aircraft, flight, weather, injuries, sequence of events) are written out in plain English. Pilots' ages, home towns and medical details are left out on purpose. The docket at the NTSB holds the report as a PDF and the investigation's photographs and documents. This site never names pilots, passengers or anyone else involved. A preliminary report describes what is known soon after the event and can change; the final report, with the probable cause, usually follows one to two years later and this page is refreshed when it does. Case number ERA11CA087.