# N117TB: Schempp-Hirth DISCUS A

- Status: Valid registration
- Airframe: [Schempp-Hirth DISCUS A](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-discus-a) (registry code 38019VP, 1 seats)
- Engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000)
- Data sheets: [TCDS G53EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/G53EU) (Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH) (OpenAirDocs)
- Serial number: 17
- Type: Glider
- Engine type: None
- Airworthiness: Experimental, exhibition, racing
- Airworthiness date: May 21, 1986
- Certificate issued: May 2, 2023
- Expires: May 31, 2030
- Mode S code: A047DF
- Registered owners: [Saunders Christopher D](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SAUNDERS%20CHRISTOPHER%20D), [Bradley Joseph M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/BRADLEY%20JOSEPH%20M)
- Location: [Lehighton, PA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/PA/Lehighton)
- Owner type: Co-owned
- Owner's area on the map: 40.8350° N, 75.6915° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at the center of ZIP code 18235, within about 5 miles (OpenAirDocs). The owner's mailing address, not where the aircraft is based
- FAA registry: https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=117TB
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N117TB

From the FAA registry file of October 24, 2026. ADs below are matched by the registry's airframe and engine model codes. They may apply; each AD's applicability can narrow it by serial number, part number or installed equipment. This is not a compliance determination.

## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs): 2 in force

### Matched by airframe (Schempp-Hirth DISCUS A)

- [AD 97-08-02 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/97-08-02-R1): Load Test of Elevator Control System · Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau Discus a, Discus b, Mini-Nimbus B and 1 more. Effective Apr 17, 1998
- [AD 97-08-06 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/97-08-06-R1): Quick Connectors · Alexander Schleicher AS-K 13, AS 12, ASK 21 and 39 more. Effective Aug 1, 1997

### Matched by engine (NONE)

None in force.

## Information bulletins (advisory)

None matched.

## NTSB investigations (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB NYC00LA042](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00LA042), Nov 28, 1999: Schempp-Hirth Discus A (N117TB), Palmerton, PA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's improper decision to delay his landing. A factor related to the accident was the loss of thermal lift.

## FAA accident and incident reports (1)

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [Accident 19991128032059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19991128032059A), Nov 28, 1999: Schemp DISCUSA (N117TB), Palmerton, PA, Substantial damage. (.19) On November 28, 1999, about 1640 eastern standard time, a schempp-hirth discus a glider, N117TB, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near…

## Service difficulty reports

None filed for this aircraft. Matched to this aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model.

## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs)

None matched to this aircraft's models.

## Related

- Other Schempp-Hirth DISCUS A aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-discus-a/aircraft.md
- The NONE engine: https://openairdocs.org/engine/none.md

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