# NTSB BFO92LA003: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N34396, Waynesboro, VA, October 26, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 26, 1991, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Waynesboro, VA
- Coordinates: 38.059425, -78.899208 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.0594&lon=-78.8992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11746
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO92LA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11746/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO92LA003

## Probable cause

IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR (CFI). CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE INSTRUCTOR'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STUDENT'S PERFORMANCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, dual student (cause)
  - inattentive, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT GLIDER PILOT REALIZED THAT HE HAD DRIFTED TOO FAR FROM HIS DEPARTURE FIELD. HE ASKED THE INSTRUCTOR TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE INSTRUCTOR CONSIDERED LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD BUT DECIDED TO ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. AS THE INSTRUCTOR MANEUVERED FOR THE APPROACH OVER A HIGH POINT OF GROUND, THE GLIDER STRUCK THE TOP OF A TREE AND CRASHED SHORT OF THE AIRPORT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N34396](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N34396), registered now, S/N 416, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-33a) (registry code 8051606) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 417
- Airframe hours: 1500
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Ridge Valley Soaring Club
- Registered owner: Ridge Valley Soaring Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1991, 95 hours before
- Airport: W13, Waynesboro

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 77; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; seat: rear; flight hours: 3,290 total, 955 in this make and model, 2,950 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHO, 27 nm away

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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