Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A near Erwinna, PA — 2013-08-04

Final reportERA13CA352
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Date
2013-08-04
Location
Erwinna, PA, USA
Airport
9N1
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A
Registration
N1211S
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper altitude and energy management in the landing pattern which resulted in the glider impacting a tree and landing short of the runway.

NTSB narrative

During a local solo flight, the student pilot planned to land the glider on runway 23. On the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern the glider was “high at the key”. Abeam the end of the runway he was still “a little high” so he elected to deploy the wing spoilers. Then while turning on to the base leg of the traffic pattern he was still high, so he decided to crab into the wind and slip the glider. While on base prior to turning final he noticed that the “wind had picked up and it slowed the glider down.” Turning final he noticed “it was going to be close” and had contemplated changing to runway 25; however, he thought the glider would make it to runway 23. The glider impacted a tree about 25 feet above ground level with the left wing and came to rest short of the runway. Postaccident examination of the glider revealed that the left wing and fuselage were substantially damaged.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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