Accident Details
Date
Monday, July 7, 2008
NTSB Number
MIA08CA136
Location
Elmira, NY
Event ID
20080905X01401
Coordinates
42.120834, -76.900833
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2
Probable Cause and Findings
The glider pilot's misjudged distance/altitude while soaring.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Name
BETA FLEET LLC
Address
1150 AIRPORT DR
City
SOUTH BURLINGTON
State / Zip Code
VT 05403-6000
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot stated that after his Schleicher ASK-21 glider was towed aloft to 2,000 feet and released, he flew too far from the airport traffic pattern. He said that during the return to the airport, he encountered a "sink and waterfall" effect, which caused a low approach, resulting in his inability to make it to the airport. Subsequently, there was a collision with terrain 100 feet short of the runway. The pilot added that there were no deficiencies with the performance and handling of 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# MIA08CA136