Pilot Debrief

Schleicher ASK-21 near Elmira, NY — 2008-07-07

Final reportMIA08CA136
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Date
2008-07-07
Location
Elmira, NY, USA
Airport
4NY8
Aircraft
Schleicher ASK-21
Registration
N363KS
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The glider pilot's misjudged distance/altitude while soaring.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that after his Schleicher ASK-21 glider was towed aloft to 2,000 feet and released, he flew too far from the airport traffic pattern. He said that during the return to the airport, he encountered a "sink and waterfall" effect, which caused a low approach, resulting in his inability to make it to the airport. Subsequently, there was a collision with terrain 100 feet short of the runway. The pilot added that there were no deficiencies with the performance and handling of the glider.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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