# NTSB BFO90LA052: Schweizer SGS-126E, N2958H, Warrenton, VA, May 31, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 31, 1990, 15:30 local (19:30 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 December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11598
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO90LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11598/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90LA052

## Probable cause

THE PILOT MISJUDGED HIS LANDING APPROACH.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - planned approach - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT AS HE TURNED FROM BASE TO FINAL, HE REALIZED THAT THE GLIDER WAS TOO LOW TO REACH THE RUNWAY. THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE TOP OF A TREE AND THE GLIDER FELL TO THE GROUND. THE GLIDER PILOT REPORTED 36 HOURS TOTAL FLIGT EXPERIENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2958H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2958H-1990-12-05), registration cancelled 1990-12-05, S/N 688 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS-126E
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-26E](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-26e) (registry code 8050124) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 688
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Goehring, Jack J.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: 9WO, Warrenton Airpark, runway 4, 2,215 × 70 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 36 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IAD

## 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 19900531018219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900531018219A), May 31, 1990: Scwzer SGS126E, Warrenton, VA, Substantial damage. On base too low to make runway. Left wing hit tree top. Glider fell to ground. Had 36 hrs in type.

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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