Schweizer 1-36

In researching the available 'Net-data on the SGS 1-36, I've noticed that of
the 44 serial numbers in this model's production run, there is FAA, NTSB, or
Canadian registration database info on all except #13. Interestingly
(perhaps), current FAA registration info for all Schweizer gliders indicates
there are ten serial number #12's, and eight #14's, but only two #13'S (a
2-8 & a 2-22) still registered in the US. At some point Schweizer must have
decided that putting out a #13 was a bad public relations choice, much as
many buildings do not have a thirteenth floor.

The #1 SGS 1-36 has been a NASA/Dryden Research Center experimental platform
for virtually its entire life, and the last in the run, #44, is still
registered to Schweizer Aircraft.

Another tidbit of interest with regard to the SGS 1-36 is that of the 41
aircraft supposedly in the hands of recreational glider pilots, thirteen
have been the subject of NTSB accident reports, including three fatals. One
of these fatal accidents may have occurred prior to the aircraft being
delivered to a customer [a test-flight accident?], i.e., #42, N3622E, on
08/25/1984, at Elmira, NY. Eight aircraft have been in some manner
destroyed, though only seven of these appear linked in the NTSB or FAA
records to an aviation accident. Possibly the eighth was in ground
transportation or some other non-operational loss.

I expected a much lower than nearly one-in-five hull loss ratio on a medium
performance sailplane design, even if it is 25 years old -- but I have not
yet looked at the numbers for other types. Does anyone out there have some
personal knowledge to share WRT to the "Sprite"?


Jack