# NTSB BFO91LA034: Schweizer SGS 2-33, N2451W, Buchanan, VA, March 24, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 24, 1991, 14:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Buchanan, VA
- Coordinates: 37.520202, -79.67955 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5202&lon=-79.6796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11664
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO91LA034
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11664/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA034

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT THE TAKEOFF WITH UNFAVORABLE WINDS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - weather condition - downdraft (cause)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE GLIDER WAS BEING TOWED AND DURING THE TAKEOFF CLIMB THE PILOT RELEASED FROM THE TOWPLANE. THE PILOT INDICATED HE RELEASED BECAUSE THE TOWPLANE ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT AND HE FELT THE GLIDER WOULD NOT CLEAR THE TREES AHEAD. THE GLIDER PILOT REPORTED THAT AFTER HE RELEASED FROM THE TOWPLANE, HE TURNED RIGHT TO AVOID THE TREES; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO SUITABLE LANDING AREA AND THE GLIDER COLLIDED WITH THE TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2451W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2451W-2014-09-22), registration cancelled 2014-09-22, S/N 17, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33
- 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
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ridge & Valley Soaring Club
- Registered owner: Ridge & Valley Soaring Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Airport: Springwood Gliderport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; medical: unknown, unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 24 knots, gusting 33
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ROA, 999 nm away

## 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 19910324007349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910324007349A), Mar 24, 1991: Scwzer SGS233, Buchanan, VA, Destroyed. Tow plane encountered severe downdraft on takeoff. Glider released and struck trees landing.

## Other investigations on N2451W (1)

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.

- [NTSB DIA69D0184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA69D0184), Apr 13, 1969: Schweizer 2-33 (N2451W), Waynesboro, VA, substantial damage

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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