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

October 4, 2014 · Schweizer SGS 2 33A · N3619T

Waynesboro, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 4, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Waynesboro, VA
Aircraft
Schweizer SGS 2 33A (1981)
Tail Number
N3619T
Operator
Shenandoah Valley Soaring
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA15CA012

According to the pilot, there were some areas of turbulence during the glider's aero tow to 3,000 feet, but the tow was uneventful. The flight was then smooth until descent to about 1,200 feet above ground level, when conditions became "bumpy." Upon entering the traffic pattern for runway 24, the pilot increased normal approach airspeed by 10 knots in anticipation of gusty headwinds on final approach. The approach then proceeded "normally" until short final, when the glider encountered a "rogue" wind gust that "violently" rolled it about 90 degrees to the right, heading it away from runway centerline. By the time the pilot was able to level the wings, the glider was too low, necessitating an off-airport landing into small trees that resulted in left wing spar damage. Winds, recorded at a nearby airport about the time of the accident, were from 260 degrees true at 13, gusting to 19 knots. The pilot did not report any preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Attain/maintain not possible

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, there were some areas of turbulence during the glider's aero tow to 3,000 feet, but the tow was uneventful. The flight was then smooth until descent to about 1,200 feet above ground level, when conditions became "bumpy." Upon entering the traffic pattern for runway 24, the pilot increased normal approach airspeed by 10 knots in anticipation of gusty headwinds on final approach. The approach then proceeded "normally" until short final, when the glider encountered a "rogue" wind gust that "violently" rolled it about 90 degrees to the right, heading it away from runway centerline. By the time the pilot was able to level the wings, the glider was too low, necessitating an off-airport landing into small trees that resulted in left wing spar damage. Winds, recorded at a nearby airport about the time of the accident, were from 260 degrees true at 13, gusting to 19 knots. The pilot did not report any preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:20 EDT
Nearest AirportEagle'S Nest (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length2004 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGS 2 33A
Tail NumberN3619T
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorShenandoah Valley Soaring
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 68 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 13 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 37 C
Altimeter29.72 inHg
Observation Time15:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data