# NTSB CHI96LA214: Schweizer 2-33, N12195, Union, IL, June 23, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 23, 1996, 14:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Union, IL
- Coordinates: 42.229221, -88.53997 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.2292&lon=-88.5400&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10286
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA214
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10286/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA214

## Probable cause

The pilots misjudgment of the altitude and distance to the runway.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - distance/altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that 'during final approach it was apparent the glider would not clear obstructions near the end of the runway.  An off field landing was attempted.  During the landing the wing tip struck the ground....'

## Factual narrative

On June 23, 1996, at 1410 central daylight time, a Schweizer 2-33, glider, N1219S, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain during an off airport landing in Union, Illinois.  The solo pilot reported no injuries.  The personal,14 CFR Part 91 flight originated in Union, Illinois a few minutes prior to the accident.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

In his written statement, the pilot reported "during final approach it was apparent the glider would not clear obstructions near the end of the runway.  An off field landing was attempted.  During the landing the wing tip struck the ground...."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector who examined the airplane reported that the right wing was fractured and the fuselage was buckled behind the cabin area.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N12195 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer 2-33
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 209
- Airframe hours: 3609
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sky Soaring, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 18, 1995, 12 hours before
- Departed: 5LL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 928 total, 9 in this make and model, 928 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

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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