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

February 20, 2005 · Schweizer SGS1-26B · N7569

Midlothian, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 20, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Midlothian, TX
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS1-26B
Tail Number
N7569
Operator
Luron Jokisch
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW05CA075

The 360-hour private pilot reported that he was unable to find any thermal lift to assist in gaining altitude to return to the gliderport. The pilot then selected a nearby open field suitable for landing. The pilot stated that while on final approach to the open field, he experienced gusty headwinds resulting in an "excessive sink rate." At an altitude of approximately 30 feet above ground level, the outer portion of the left wing struck the top of a tree. Subsequently, the glider nosed over and impacted the ground. The pilot stated that the wind at the time of the accident was from the southwest at approximately 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's misjudgment in distance/altitude and his failure to maintain clearance from a tree while on final to approach to landing. Contributing factors were the lack of thermal lift and the gusty wind conditions.

Full Narrative

On February 20, 2005, approximately 1445 central standard time, a Schweizer SGS1-26B glider, N7569, registered to Texas Soaring Association (TSA) of Midlothian, Texas, and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and the ground while on final approach to an off-airport landing area near Midlothian, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant of the glider, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from the TSA Gliderport (TA11), near Midlothian, Texas, at an unknown time. The 360-hour private pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he was unable to find any thermal lift to assist in gaining altitude to return to TA11, and he elected to land on a nearby open field which he considered suitable for landing. The pilot stated that while on final approach to the open field, he experienced gusty headwinds resulting in an "excessive sink rate." While at an estimated altitude of 30 feet above ground level, the outer portion of the left wing struck the top of a 30-foot high tree. Subsequently, the glider nosed-over and impacted the ground, coming to rest in the upright position. The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the winds were from the southwest at approximately 15 knots, gusting to 20 knots. Examination of the glider by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the tubular structure of the nose was crushed aft just forward of the instrument panel.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGS1-26B
Tail NumberN7569
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLuron Jokisch
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 78 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data