Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's improper planning/decision by electing to be towed aloft with a cold front nearby, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with wind gusts from the nearby cold front and subsequent in-flight collision with trees.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On January 25, 1997, about 1302 eastern standard time, a Schweizer SGS2-33A glider, N233HH, registered to Seminole Flying & Soaring, Inc., collided with trees while on final approach to land at the Seminole Lake Gliderport, Clermont, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The glider was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was towed aloft about 1236 from the Seminole Lake Gliderport.
The pilot stated that there was a cold front approaching from the northwest about 3-4 miles away. While on final approach the glider entered an uncommanded left bank resulting in a 120-degree change in direction. He recovered then landed in trees short of the runway. According to the owner of the gliderport, he was just about to cancel flight operations about the time of the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA97LA074