# NTSB ATL83LA266: Schweizer SGS-2-33A, N2743H, Warrenton, VA, July 9, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 9, 1983, 13:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Warrenton, VA
- Location: 38.7154° N, 77.7976° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Warrenton, VA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7154&lon=-77.7976&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6121
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA266
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6121/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA266

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

THE PILOT COLLIDED WITH A TREE WHILE LANDING IN WINDY CONDITIONS. THE PILOT HAD FLOWN ONE DUAL FLT ON THIS DAY AND THEN WENT UP FOR A 39 MINUTE SOLO FLT. UPON HER RETURN SHE WAS LOW ON DOWNWIND SO SHE MADE A CLOSE IN BASE BUT DRIFTED TO THERIGHT ON FINAL IN THE WIND. THE WIND WAS FROM THE NW AT 10 KTS GUSTING TO 15 KTS. THE PILOT DID NOT REALIGN IN TIME TO MISS A 30 FT TREE TO THE RIGHT OF THE RWY. THE ACFT CARTWHEELED AND FELL TO THE GROUND. THE STUDENT PILOT HAD 3 HRS SOLOTIME IN GLIDERS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2743H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2743H), registered now, S/N 503, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS-2-33A
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-33a) (registry code 8051606) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 503
- Airframe hours: 1481
- Engines: NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Warrenton Soaring Center
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 7, 1982, 5 hours before
- Departed: 9W0, WARRENTON, VA
- Airport: 9W0, Warrenton Airport, runway 33, 1,922 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; flight hours: 19 total, 19 in this make and model, 3 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 0° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point -0 °F

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.

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