N2894HSchweizer SGS2332019-06-29 NTSB Accident Report

Unknown
Serious

Schweizer SGS233S/N: 524

Summary

On June 29, 2019, a Schweizer SGS233 (N2894H) was involved in an accident near Blairstown, NJ. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 2 aboard.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The student pilot's improper landing flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing and the instructor sustaining a serious injury.

The glider flight instructor reported that, while on final approach for the grass field adjacent to the runway with the student pilot on controls, a gyrocopter lifted off towards the glider. The student maneuvered away, then continued the approach. During the landing the student flared too high, and despite the instructor's intervention, the glider landed hard.

The glider was not damaged, however, the flight instructor sustained a serious injury.

The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA19CA399. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2894H.

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, June 29, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA399
Location
Blairstown, NJ
Event ID
20190630X21623
Coordinates
40.971111, -74.997497
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's improper landing flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing and the instructor sustaining a serious injury. 

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
SCHWEIZER
Serial Number
524
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
SGS233

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
113 KINGS HARBOR DR
Status
Deregistered
City
HOLLY RIDGE
State / Zip Code
NC 28445-7919
Country
United States

Analysis

The glider flight instructor reported that, while on final approach for the grass field adjacent to the runway with the student pilot on controls, a gyrocopter lifted off towards the glider. The student maneuvered away, then continued the approach. During the landing the student flared too high, and despite the instructor's intervention, the glider landed hard.

The glider was not damaged, however, the flight instructor sustained a serious injury.

The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA399