Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

October 22, 1995 · Schweizer SGS 2-33 · N65852

Barre, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 22, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Barre, MA
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS 2-33
Tail Number
N65852
Operator
Bouchard Gliders
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA016

THE GLIDER PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE THERMAL SOARING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 3350 FEET, HE ENCOUNTERED SINKING AIR. HE STATED THAT HE TRIED TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT, BUT SUBSEQUENTLY HEADED FOR AN OPEN FIELD ONE-HALF MILE FROM THE AIRPORT. HOWEVER, A UTILITY POLE WAS IN HIS PATH. DURING A TURN TO AVOID THE POLE, THE GLIDER WAS REPORTED TO HAVE STALLED ABOUT 25 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND AND STRUCK THE GROUND IN A NOSE DOWN, LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper inflight planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to return to the airport after encountering an area of no thermal lift, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to avoid an obstruction during an off airport landing.

Full Narrative

On October 22, 1995, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33 glider, N65852, was substantially damaged when it struck the ground in Barre, Massachusetts. The private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight which had departed the Tanner-Hiller Airport, Barre, at 1400, and was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot stated: Takeoff & tow to 3000 ft AGL normal Thermaled to 3350 Experienced heavy sink - Tried to return to airport Flew into a position where I wouldn't continue because of utility pole Turned left - left wing contacted ground - aircraft rotated 180 degrees When interviewed, the pilot reported that the glider stalled during the turn, at an altitude of about 25 feet above the ground. According to the FAA, the left wing was bent outboard of the strut attach point, and the fuselage was bent about 6 feet behind the cockpit.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 EDT
Nearest AirportTanner-Hiller (1nm E)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGS 2-33
Tail NumberN65852
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBouchard Gliders
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 77 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data