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NTSB Report
September 7, 1990 · Schleicher ASK-21 · N21SX
Memphis, TN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 7, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Memphis, TN
Aircraft
Schleicher ASK-21
Tail Number
N21SX
Operator
Memphis Soaring Society
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL90LA168
THE GLIDER PILOT HAD FLOWN FOR ABOUT 1.5 HOURS AND WAS HEADING BACK TO THE AIRSTRIP FOR LANDING. HE DID NOT MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO REACH THE AIRSTRIP, SO HE ELECTED TO LAND THE GLIDER IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE LEFT WING COLLIDED WITH A TREE ADJACENT TO THE FIELD, AND THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE GLIDER. THE GLIDER CRASHED ONTO THE FIELD IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. HE REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE GLIDER.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH A TREE DUE TO MISJUDGING HIS GLIDEPATH.
Full Narrative
THE GLIDER PILOT HAD FLOWN FOR ABOUT 1.5 HOURS AND WAS HEADING BACK TO THE AIRSTRIP FOR LANDING. HE DID NOT MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO REACH THE AIRSTRIP, SO HE ELECTED TO LAND THE GLIDER IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE LEFT WING COLLIDED WITH A TREE ADJACENT TO THE FIELD, AND THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE GLIDER. THE GLIDER CRASHED ONTO THE FIELD IN A NOSE LOW ATTITUDE. HE REPORTED NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE GLIDER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchleicher ASK-21
Tail NumberN21SX
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMemphis Soaring Society
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:51
Weather SourceWFAC