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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 1, 2002 · Schreder RS-15 · N33515

Jackson, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Jackson, WY
Aircraft
Schreder RS-15
Tail Number
N33515
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DEN02LA067

The glider was observed circling the summit block of Grand Teton Mountain. A witness reported seeing the glider proceed southeast to northwest. The glider's left wing contacted the mountain approximately 150 feet below the summit. The witness reported seeing the wing crumple and then hearing a loud noise. The glider then disappeared behind the north side of the mountain. The wreckage was located the following morning. The glider wreckage was spread down the north face of Grand Teton Mountain beginning approximately 200 feet below the summit and extending down the mountain approximately 1,500 feet. A wing was identified as resting approximately 700 feet below the summit in the wreckage path. The reported weather in the area, about the time of the accident, was clear skies, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 75 degrees F, winds 240 degrees at 19 knots with gusts to 28 knots, and an altimeter setting of 30.18 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the mountain summit.

Full Narrative

On July 1, 2002, at 1650 mountain daylight time, a Schreder RS-15 glider, N33515, piloted by a commercial glider pilot, was destroyed when it impacted on the north face of Grand Teton Mountain (elevation 13,770 feet mean sea level), approximately 200 feet below the summit. The accident site was located 17 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91without a flight plan. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The local flight originated at Driggs, Idaho, approximately 1600. A witness observed the glider circling the summit block of Grand Teton Mountain. The witness reported seeing the glider proceed southeast to northwest. The glider's left wing contacted the mountain approximately 150 feet below the summit. The witness reported seeing the wing crumple and then hearing a loud noise. The glider then disappeared behind the north side of the mountain. Ground observers for the National Park Service reported locating the wreckage the following morning. The glider wreckage was spread down the north face of Grand Teton Mountain beginning approximately 200 feet below the summit and extending down the mountain approximately 1,500 feet. A wing was identified as resting approximately 700 feet below the summit in the wreckage path. At 1658, the Aviation Routine Weather Report for Jackson Hole Airport, 144 degrees at 8 miles from the accident site, was clear skies, visibility 10 statute miles, temperature 75 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point not reported, winds 240 degrees at 19 knots with gusts to 28 knots, and an altimeter setting of 30.18 inches of Mercury.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchreder RS-15
Tail NumberN33515
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1None · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 18 kt, gusting 28 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time22:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data