Accident Details
Date
Saturday, July 21, 2007
NTSB Number
MIA07CA125
Location
Big Flats, NY
Event ID
20070911X01359
Coordinates
42.119167, -76.900558
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's misjudged distance/altitude during approach resulting in collision with trees and the ground.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N2768H
Make
SCHWEIZER
Serial Number
678
Engine Type
Unknown
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
HARRIS HILL SOARING CORPORATION
Address
PO BOX 544
Status
Deregistered
City
HORSEHEADS
State / Zip Code
NY 14845-0544
Country
United States
Analysis
Pilot stated that he was towed up to 3,700 feet mean sea level (msl) and released. He was up for approximately 1.45 hours and then found himself 3 miles south of the airport at 2,000 feet msl. During the approach to the airport, he encountered a gusty headwind and lost altitude. He realized too late that he wasn't going to have enough altitude to make it to the airport. The glider collided with trees and dropped to the ground about 100 meters south of the intended airport.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA07CA125