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NTSB Report
November 12, 1989 · Schweizer SGS-1-35C · N2880H
Paint Bank, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 12, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Paint Bank, VA
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS-1-35C
Tail Number
N2880H
Operator
Steven D Stigler
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO90LA021
ENROUTE THE PLT ELECTED TO RETURN TO HIS DEPARTURE ARPT DUE TO DETERIORATING LIFT CONDITIONS. CONDITIONS CONTINUED TO DETERIORATE AND THE PLT DIVERTED TO A CLOSER ARPT. HE REPORTED THAT TWO MOUNTAIN RIDGES HAD TO BE CROSSED TO REACH THE ARPT. HE WAS ABLE TO CROSS ONE RIDGE; HOWEVER, INSUFFICIENT LIFT REMAINED TO CLEAR THE SECOND RIDGE. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO SUITABLE LANDING AREA AVAILABLE AND THE GLIDER WAS LANDED IN TREES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING WHICH LED TO AN OFF-AIRPORT LANDING AFTER ENCOUNTERING DETERIORATING LIFT CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND LACK OF A SUITABLE LANDING AREA.
Full Narrative
ENROUTE THE PLT ELECTED TO RETURN TO HIS DEPARTURE ARPT DUE TO DETERIORATING LIFT CONDITIONS. CONDITIONS CONTINUED TO DETERIORATE AND THE PLT DIVERTED TO A CLOSER ARPT. HE REPORTED THAT TWO MOUNTAIN RIDGES HAD TO BE CROSSED TO REACH THE ARPT. HE WAS ABLE TO CROSS ONE RIDGE; HOWEVER, INSUFFICIENT LIFT REMAINED TO CLEAR THE SECOND RIDGE. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO SUITABLE LANDING AREA AVAILABLE AND THE GLIDER WAS LANDED IN TREES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchweizer SGS-1-35C
Tail NumberN2880H
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSteven D Stigler
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown · UNKNOWN · Unknown
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind315° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO