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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 20, 2007 · Schweizer SGS 1-35C · N135EX

Northfield, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 20, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Northfield, MN
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS 1-35C
Tail Number
N135EX
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI07CA233

The glider was substantially damaged during an off-airport landing. The pilot stated that as he was returning from a flight about 7 miles west of the departure airport, he encountered heavy sink and found himself at 1,100 feet above ground level. The pilot then elected to make an off-airport landing to a cow pasture. He stated that his approach was "somewhat high, and [he] had to lose altitude while rapidly approaching the upslope terrain with a dirt/rock pile at the far end." The pilot stated that he pitched up to either lose speed, or avoid the dirt/rock pile, causing the glider to balloon. The glider then stalled about 5 to 10 feet above the ground and bounced "very hard." The glider's fuselage was subsequently found to have damage to the bulkhead and skins.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall during the off-airport landing. A factor contributing to the accident was the dirt/rock pile.

Full Narrative

The glider was substantially damaged during an off-airport landing. The pilot stated that as he was returning from a flight about 7 miles west of the departure airport, he encountered heavy sink and found himself at 1,100 feet above ground level. The pilot then elected to make an off-airport landing to a cow pasture. He stated that his approach was "somewhat high, and [he] had to lose altitude while rapidly approaching the upslope terrain with a dirt/rock pile at the far end." The pilot stated that he pitched up to either lose speed, or avoid the dirt/rock pile, causing the glider to balloon. The glider then stalled about 5 to 10 feet above the ground and bounced "very hard." The glider's fuselage was subsequently found to have damage to the bulkhead and skins.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGS 1-35C
Tail NumberN135EX
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time19:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data