Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot misjudged his altitude during approach.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On March 9, 1997, at 1600 eastern standard time, N2559H, a Schweizer SGS-233A glider, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees during final approach at the Woodbine Airport, Woodbine, Maryland. The private pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local, personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, during final approach to a grass strip, the glider struck trees. The pilot reported over 260 hours of total flight experience when he completed a third class medical certificate that was issued on October 3, 1991.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were unable to obtain any information from the pilot, and a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2 was not received from the pilot/operator of the glider.
Examination of the wreckage did not disclose any anomalies with the glider.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# IAD97LA062