# NTSB BFO90LA021: Schweizer SGS-1-35C, N2880H, Paint Bank, VA, November 12, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 12, 1989, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Paint Bank, VA
- Coordinates: 37.559261, -80.279083 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5593&lon=-80.2791&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11577
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO90LA021
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11577/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90LA021

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING WHICH LED TO AN OFF-AIRPORT LANDING AFTER ENCOUNTERING DETERIORATING LIFT CONDITIONS. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND LACK OF A SUITABLE LANDING AREA.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - no thermal lift (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

ENROUTE THE PLT ELECTED TO RETURN TO HIS DEPARTURE ARPT DUE TO DETERIORATING LIFT CONDITIONS. CONDITIONS CONTINUED TO DETERIORATE AND THE PLT DIVERTED TO A CLOSER ARPT. HE REPORTED THAT TWO MOUNTAIN RIDGES HAD TO BE CROSSED TO REACH THE ARPT. HE WAS ABLE TO CROSS ONE RIDGE; HOWEVER, INSUFFICIENT LIFT REMAINED TO CLEAR THE SECOND RIDGE. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO SUITABLE LANDING AREA AVAILABLE AND THE GLIDER WAS LANDED IN TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2880H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2880H), registered now, S/N 70, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS-1-35C
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-35C](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-35c) (registry code 8050151) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 70
- Airframe hours: 412
- Engines: UNKNOWN UNKNOWN unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Steven D. Stigler
- Registered owner: Steven D Stigler
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 12, 1989, 14 hours before
- Departed: 08VA, BUCHANAN, VA
- Destination: TAZWELL, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; seat: front; flight hours: 82 total, 37 in this make and model, 9 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19891112066349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891112066349A), Nov 12, 1989: Scwzer SGS135C, Paint Bank, VA, Destroyed. Unsuitable thermals for crosscountry trip. Turned back, unable to clear ridge put glider into trees.

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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