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Schweizer 2-33A Glider
14 August 2003
Debert, Nova Scotia
The student pilot was conducting a solo flight in the
Atlantic Regional Gliding School program. After upper
area manoeuvres, the student pilot entered left downwind
lower than the recommended height to compensate for
updrafts that were encountered during previous flights.
Due to the crosswind and sink conditions that had developed,
in the short time since the last flight, the glider
was lower and in a wider pattern than normal. The glider
became critically low while on base leg and when attempting
to turn final it struck a large tree on the airfield
perimeter. The student pilot suffered minor injuries.
The glider received "A" category damage.
The investigation focused on the training the student
had received and found an irregular training pattern
with frequent no-fly periods, lasting up to 10 days;
mostly due to weather. The student pilot also flew with
eight different instructors on 13 flying days spread
over 38 calendar days. It is assessed that this training
pattern was not conducive to continued progress or effective
motivation. With this particular student pilot, because
of the number of instructor changes it was difficult
to establish a sound student/instructor relationship,
in which the instructor was allowed to detect difficulties
and to provide solutions. As well, deficiencies were
noted in the progress monitoring and instructional procedures
used during the student's training.
The investigation determined that the student pilot
used an improper technique and did not apply proper
wind drift correction for the sudden and significant
wind change during the solo trip. It is assessed that
the student pilot did not possess the pre-requisite
capability and knowledge to assess the new visual and
physical cues associated with the wind change.
Since this accident the Air Cadet Standards and Evaluation
Team (SET) has been established at Central Flying School.
It is believed that this centralized oversight has already
greatly enhanced Air Cadet Glider Training. With the
support of Air Cadet standards personnel and line instructors
it is anticipated that the SET will help improve not
only flight safety, but the overall quality of an already
very efficient program.
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