# NTSB ATL91LA101: Schweizer SGS2-33A, N1181S, Little River, SC, May 28, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1991, 10:45 local (14:45 UTC)
- Place: Little River, SC
- Coordinates: 33.870651, -78.629501 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8707&lon=-78.6295&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8411
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8411/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA101

## Probable cause

THAT THE PILOT DRAGGED THE RIGHT WING TIP ON FINAL APPROACH WHEN HE FAILED TO CONTROL THE AIRCRAFT. FACTORS TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE: A WIND SHIFT BELOW THE TREETOPS.

## 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
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD COMPLETED A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT AND WAS ON A SHORT FINAL BELOW THE SURROUNDING TREETOPS WHEN THE WIND CHANGED.  HE ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE ROLL CONDITION, BUT ALLOWED THE RIGHT WING TO CONTACT THE GROUND.  THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE GLIDER PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1181S (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer SGS2-33A
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 231
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Carolina Sailplanes, Inc.
- Registered owner: Carolina Sailplanes, Inc.
- Airport: 5J8, Cypress Bay, runway 3, 2,900 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 650 total, 510 in this make and model, 100 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Temperature: -0 °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 19910528017539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910528017539A), May 28, 1991: Scwzer SGS233A, Little River, SC, Substantial damage. Dragged a wing on landing, lost control and struck a tree on edge of runway. Blamed a sudden wind shift.

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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