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NTSB Report

August 23, 2008 · Schweizer 2-33A · N17885

Wurtsboro, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 23, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Wurtsboro, NY
Aircraft
Schweizer 2-33A
Tail Number
N17885
Operator
Waco Transport
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA08CA172

The certified flight instructor (CFI) of a Schweizer SGS2-33A glider stated that the accident flight was his first training flight with the student. He reviewed the student’s logbook and ascertained that he had a total of 25 flight hours in gliders. The CFI gave the student pilot ground instructions regarding speed limitations, pattern and approach speeds, and pattern entry execution. The student then performed the launch and tow to 2,500 feet above ground level, and the in-flight maneuvers were uneventful. During the approach to land, the CFI instructed the student pilot to "make a shallow left turn to get closer to runway 23;" however, the student pilot turned right. The CFI repeated "turn left," but the student pilot again turned right. The CFI advised the student pilot that he was taking control of the glider. He said that he repeated this to the student pilot but he did not respond nor did he relinquish control of the glider. Consequently, the glider impacted nose first into the ground. Examination of the glider by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the wings and fuselage were buckled.

NTSB Probable Cause

Personnel issues-Task performance-Communication (personnel)-Following instructions-Copilot - C

Full Narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) of a Schweizer SGS2-33A glider stated that the accident flight was his first training flight with the student. He reviewed the student's logbook and ascertained that he had a total of 25 flight hours in gliders. The CFI gave the student pilot ground instructions regarding speed limitations, pattern and approach speeds, and pattern entry execution. The student then performed the launch and tow to 2,500 feet above ground level, and the in-flight maneuvers were uneventful. During the approach to land, the CFI instructed the student pilot to "make a shallow left turn to get closer to runway 23;" however, the student pilot turned right. The CFI repeated "turn left," but the student pilot again turned right. The CFI advised the student pilot that he was taking control of the glider. He said that he repeated this to the student pilot but he did not respond nor did he relinquish control of the glider. Consequently, the glider impacted nose first into the ground. Examination of the glider by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the wings and fuselage were buckled.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWurtsboro-Sullivan County (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer 2-33A
Tail NumberN17885
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWaco Transport
Operating RulePart 91
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 69 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time18:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data