Pilot Debrief

SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A near North Springfield, VT — 2021-08-15

Final reportERA21LA330
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Date
2021-08-15
Location
North Springfield, VT, USA
Airport
VSF
Aircraft
SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A
Registration
N2805H
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The check pilot's failure to account for the extended departure distance from the airport during a simulated tow rope break and recovery.

NTSB narrative

Two glider pilots were conducting a simulated rope break from 200ft above ground level (AGL). The glider pilot had requested the tow pilot sidestep right on upwind further than normal to allow for enough distance between the upwind leg and the runway. After a normal takeoff, the tow pilot sidestepped further right than the previous flights. After the tow rope was released, the glider pilot made a steep turn back toward the runway and realized that the runway was beyond glide distance. The pilot elected to land the glider in a clear area beside a dirt road, but during the landing, the left wing impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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