# NTSB CHI92LA208: Schweizer SGS2-33A, N36133, Kendallville, IN, July 5, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 5, 1992, 13:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Kendallville, IN
- Coordinates: 41.440486, -85.250244 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4405&lon=-85.2502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15496
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA208
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15496/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA208

## Probable cause

IMPROPER REMEDIAL ACTION, THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, AND THE FAILED TOW ROPE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff - roll/run
  - glider launch/tow equipment - failure,total (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - remedial action - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE TOW ROPE BROKE AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET DURING THE AUTO TOW.  THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT.  THE AIRPLANE DEVELOPED A HIGH SINK RATE DURING THE TURN AND THE LEFT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N36133](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N36133), registered now, S/N 563, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer SGS2-33A
- 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: 563
- Airframe hours: 533
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Bryan Soaring Club, Inc.
- Registered owner: Bryan Soaring Club, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 31, 1992, 5 hours before
- Airport: C62, Kendallville Municipal, runway 27, 4,400 × 75 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,389 total, 50 in this make and model, 1,150 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19920705025989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920705025989A), Jul 5, 1992: Scwzer SGS233A, Kendallville, IN, Substantial damage. Tow rope broke at 300 ft on auto tow. Tried 180 turn to land opposite direction but wing impacted ground in turn.

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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