Summary
On July 07, 2008, a Schleicher ASK-21 (N363KS) was involved in an incident near Elmira, NY. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The glider pilot's misjudged distance/altitude while soaring.
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.
This incident is documented in NTSB report MIA08CA136. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N363KS.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The glider pilot's misjudged distance/altitude while soaring.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
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