# NTSB ATL89LA016: Schempp-Hirth DISCUS-B, N321SB, Whitwell, TN, October 22, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 22, 1988, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Whitwell, TN
- Coordinates: 35.199295, -85.509323 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1993&lon=-85.5093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7942
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89LA016
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7942/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89LA016

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - restricted
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT RPRTD THAT THERMAL LIFT DETERIORATED DRG THE RETURN LEG OF A X-COUNTRY FLT & HE ELECTED TO MAKE AN OFF APRT LNDG IN A HAY FIELD. AS HE WAS ON FINAL APCH ON A WESTERLY HDG, HE SAW A PREVIOUSLY UNDETECTED POWER LINE ACROSS THE FIELD, WHICH REQD A RAPID DSCNT (USING SPOILERS) TO AVOID A COLLISION. HOWEVER, DRG THE EVASIVE MANEUVER, THE GLIDER CONTACTED UNEVEN TERRAIN & WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DAMAGED. THE PLT RPRTD THAT THE SUN & TREES OBSCURED THE POWER LINE. ALSO, HE STATED THAT IF THE APCH HAD BEEN TO THE EAST, HE WOULD HAVE SEEN THE POWER LINE IN TIME TO MAKE SMOOTHER ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE SHORT LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N321SB](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N321SB-1991-03-25), registration cancelled 1991-03-25, S/N 310 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHEMPP-HIRTH DISCUS-B
- Registry model: [Schempp-Hirth DISCUS B](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-discus-b) (registry code 38019VN) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 123
- Airframe hours: 195
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Steven L. Bair
- Registered owner: Steven L. Bair
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, December 6, 1987, 75 hours before
- Departed: GAD, GADSDEN, AL
- Destination: GAD, GADSDEN, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; seat: center; flight hours: 450 total, 75 in this make and model, 400 as pilot in command, 33 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 8 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19881022058329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881022058329A), Oct 22, 1988: Schemp DISCUSB, Whitwell, TN, Substantial damage. Ran out of thermals. Dived under powerline to avoid impact and hit ground too hard causing a ground loop.

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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