N2668H

Substantial
None

SCHWEIZER SGS 2 33AS/N: 438

Accident Details

Date
Monday, September 2, 2013
NTSB Number
CEN13CA573
Location
Hampshire, IL
Event ID
20131031X73204
Coordinates
42.146945, -88.515830
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for landing area conditions during an off-airport landing which resulted in a collision with an obstruction.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
SCHWEIZER
Serial Number
438
Engine Type
None
Year Built
1976
Model / ICAO
SGS 2 33A
Aircraft Type
Glider
No. of Engines
0
Seats
2
FAA Model
SGS 2-33A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SKY SOARING INC
Address
12020 ROUTE 20
City
HAMPSHIRE
State / Zip Code
IL 60140
Country
United States

Analysis

The student pilot reported his glider was about one mile from his destination airport and thought he had enough altitude to make the field, but then he encountered a sink rate. He realized that he would not be able to clear power lines at the edge of the runway so the student pilot decided to make an off field landing in a large open field bordered by several obstructions. During the landing the right wing struck a small tree when the glider was still several feet above ground. The glider landed abruptly and the impact resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The student pilot added that the accident could have been prevented if he had earlier recognized the need to land out and if he had prepared for the event at a higher altitude.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN13CA573