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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 19, 1994 · Schweizer SGS 2-33A · N33938

Hilltown, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 19, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hilltown, PA
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS 2-33A
Tail Number
N33938
Operator
Susan Goff
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO95LA015

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS RELEASED FROM TOW AT THREE THOUSAND FEET AGL. THE STUDENT WAS UNABLE TO FIND LIFT AND RETURNED TO THE GLIDERPORT. DURING A LOW FINAL APPROACH THE LEFT WING OF THE GLIDER STRUCK TREES. THE GLIDER ROTATED INTO THE TREES WHERE IT BECAME LODGED. THE PILOT REPORTED THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY 'BETTER LANDING PREPARATION. [AND BY] PLANNING A HIGHER PATTERN.'

NTSB Probable Cause

IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM TREES.

Full Narrative

On November 19, 1994, at 1330 eastern standard time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A glider, N33938, registered to Philadelphia Glider Council Inc., of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, collided with trees while on final approach to land at the Philadelphia Gliderport near Hilltown, Pennsylvania. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot was not injured. The glider sustained substantial damage. The local flight which was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the owner of the glider, the flight was conducted for solo training. The student pilot was released from tow at three thousand feet above ground level. The student stated he was unable to find lift and returned to the gliderport. During a low final approach the wing of the glider struck trees. The glider rotated into the trees where it became lodged. The pilot was able to exit the glider and climb down the tree. The pilot reported the accident could have been avoided by "Better Landing Preparation. [and by] Planning a higher Pattern."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EST
Nearest AirportPhiladelphia Gliderport (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width300 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGS 2-33A
Tail NumberN33938
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSusan Goff
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 10 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data