# NTSB BFO95LA015: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N33938, Hilltown, PA, November 19, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 19, 1994, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Hilltown, PA
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 31, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9018
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO95LA015
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9018/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95LA015

## Probable cause

IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM TREES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS RELEASED FROM TOW AT THREE THOUSAND FEET AGL. THE STUDENT WAS UNABLE TO FIND LIFT AND RETURNED TO THE GLIDERPORT. DURING A LOW FINAL APPROACH THE LEFT WING OF THE GLIDER STRUCK TREES. THE GLIDER ROTATED INTO THE TREES WHERE IT BECAME LODGED.  THE PILOT REPORTED THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY 'BETTER LANDING PREPARATION. [AND BY] PLANNING A HIGHER PATTERN.'

## Factual narrative

On November 19, 1994, at 1330 eastern standard time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A glider, N33938, registered to Philadelphia Glider Council Inc., of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, collided with trees while on final approach to land at the Philadelphia Gliderport near Hilltown, Pennsylvania.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.  The pilot was not injured.  The glider sustained substantial damage.  The local flight which was operated under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the owner of the glider, the flight was conducted for solo training.  The student pilot was released from tow at three thousand feet above ground level. The student stated he was unable to find lift and returned to the gliderport. During a low final approach the wing of the glider struck trees.  The glider rotated into the trees where it became lodged.  The pilot was able to exit the glider and climb down the tree.

The pilot reported the accident could have been avoided by "Better Landing Preparation. [and by] Planning a higher Pattern."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N33938](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N33938-2011-04-18), registration cancelled 2011-04-18, S/N 398, 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: 398
- Airframe hours: 3084
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Susan Goff, doing business as Philadelphia Glider Council,In
- Registered owner: Philadelphia Glider Council,In
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1994, 30 hours before
- Departed: OPAO
- Airport: OPAO, Philadelphia Gliderport, runway 31, 2,000 × 300 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; seat: front; flight hours: 90 total, 90 in this make and model, 45 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 50 °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 19941119046549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941119046549A), Nov 19, 1994: Scwzer SGS233A, Hilltown, PA, Substantial damage. Struck trees on final unable to find lift, was trying to reach airport. Pattern too low.

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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