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

June 9, 2012 · Schweizer SGS233 A · N2061T

Truckee, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 9, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Truckee, CA
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS233 A
Tail Number
N2061T
Operator
Soar Truckee
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12LA285

During the takeoff roll, the glider encountered a strong gust of wind from behind the aircraft, which caused it to veer to the left. The pilot was able to release from the tow plane, but was unable to lift the left wing to an adequate height before it collided with a runway distance remaining sign. Although the pilot contended that the sign had been an obstruction from the time the airport crew had moved it from behind the takeoff area to in front of the takeoff area, the distance of the sign from the runway was consistent with parameters outlined in a Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular (AC) on the placement of runway distance remaining signs. At the time of the accident the wind was variable at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the glider while taking off with a gusting wind, which resulted in the glider impacting a runway sign.

Full Narrative

On June 9, 2012, about 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A glider, N2061T, was substantially damaged after colliding with an airport sign at the Truckee-Tahoe Airport (TRK), Truckee, California. The certified commercial pilot, who occupied the front seat and his sole passenger, who occupied the rear seat, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and a flight plan was not filed. The proposed local flight, which was originating at the time of the accident, was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. In a written statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC), as well as in a follow up telephone conversation with the IIC, the pilot reported that on the takeoff roll from runway 19, he was unable to lift the left wing before the wing tip struck the [3,000-foot] runway distance remaining sign; the outboard section of the left wing sustained substantial damage as a result of the collision. The pilot further reported that he was able to release from the [tow airplane] in time, but was unable to stop before the glider collided with the sign. The pilot stated that the cause of the accident was due to a sudden and strong wind gust from behind the glider, and that at the time of the accident the wind was variable at 10 knots, with gusts to 15 knots. The pilot added that the sign in question has been an obstruction since the airport crew moved it from behind the takeoff area to in front of the takeoff area. During the investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector assigned to the accident provided documentation from a FAA civil engineer assigned to the San Francisco Airports District Office, which included pertinent data relative to the placement of the subject sign. The civil engineer referenced FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5340-18F, Chapter 2, Runway Distance Remaining Signs, and determined that the subject sign's location was in compliance with the distance requirements as outlined in the AC.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 PDT
Nearest AirportTruckee-Tahoe Airport (0nm)
Runway19
Runway Length4650 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGS233 A
Tail NumberN2061T
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSoar Truckee
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 76 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 23 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time15:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data