# NTSB ATL85LA166: Schweizer SGS-233, N5724S, Chester, SC, May 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 19, 1985, 13:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Chester, SC
- Coordinates: 34.69984, -81.209503 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6998&lon=-81.2095&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6799
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA166
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6799/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA166

## Sequence of events

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

- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - glider launch/tow equipment - disconnected
  - emergency procedure - simulated, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - remedial action - delayed, dual student (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT CUT LOOSE FROM THE TOW PLANE AT 200 FT AGL DURING TAKEOFF TO SIMULATE A ROPE BREAK. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES WHILE CIRCLING TO LAND. CFI STATED THAT STUDENT PLT WAS TOO SLOW IN RETURNING TO LAND ON THE RWY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5724S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5724S-2012-09-25), registration cancelled 2012-09-25, S/N 68, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer SGS-233
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-33](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-33) (registry code 8051604) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 68
- Airframe hours: 3536
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bermuda High Soaring Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 23, 1985, 51 hours before
- Airport: 9A6, Chester Municipal

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; commercial; seat: rear; flight hours: 341 total, 117 in this make and model, 319 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point -0 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850519022879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850519022879A), May 19, 1985: Scwzer SGS233, Chester, SC, Substantial damage. Struck trees during instructional flight. Attempting return to runway after simulated rope break.

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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