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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

July 8, 1999 · Pilatus B-4 · N20RK

Erwinna, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 8, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Erwinna, PA
Aircraft
Pilatus B-4
Tail Number
N20RK
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC99LA170

The pilot flew a left traffic pattern to Runway 23. On short final approach, approximately 100 feet from the runway threshold, a gust of wind forced the glider to the left, into trees. At an airport approximately 17 miles away, at 1551, the reported winds were from 280 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots, an varying from 250 to 320 degrees.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control.

Full Narrative

On July 8, 1999, about 1530 Eastern Daylight Time, a Pilatus B-4 glider, N20RK, was substantially damaged while landing at Vansant Airport (9N1), Erwinna, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he flew a left traffic pattern to Runway 23 at 9N1. On short final approach, approximately 100 feet from the runway threshold, a gust of wind forced the glider to the left, into trees. When asked about other available runways, the pilot stated that the other runways are reserved for "motorized" traffic. He further stated that although he did not obtain a full weather briefing, he did telephone a recorded weather forecast system, provided by the National Weather Service. At an airport approximately 17 miles away, at 1551, the reported winds were from 280 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots, and varying from 250 to 320 degrees. According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, and a representative from Pilatus, there was no maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the accident glider. Examination of the wreckage by the inspector revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 EDT
Nearest AirportVansant Airport (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length1340 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPilatus B-4
Tail NumberN20RK
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 10 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data