# NTSB DEN86LA226: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N7590, Durango, CO, August 9, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 8, 1986, 18:30 local (Aug 9, 1986, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Durango, CO
- Coordinates: 37.269977, -107.879806 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2700&lon=-107.8798&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17032
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA226
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17032/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA226

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - animal(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND HIS GLIDER. HE SAID THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE AIRPORT AND ELECTED TO LAND IN A NEARBY PASTURE. PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN HE DISCOVERED SOME CATTLE IN THE FIELD BUT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH ONE OF THE ANIMALS. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DAMAGED HOWEVER THE PLT WAS UNINJURED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7590](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7590-2014-11-18), registration cancelled 2014-11-18, S/N 180, built 1970 (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: 180
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Durango Soaring Assoc. Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 9CO8, DURANGO, CO
- Airport: 9C08, Val Air Airstrip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; seat: front; flight hours: 63 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DRO

## 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 19860808053229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860808053229A), Aug 8, 1986: Scwzer SGS233A, Dorango, CO, Substantial damage. Excessive sink rate developed and landing was made in a field. Wing struck a cow.

## Other investigations on N7590 (2)

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 DEN83LA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA210), Sep 4, 1983: Schweizer SGS 2-33A (N7590), Durango, CO, substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN78FQA28](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN78FQA28), May 20, 1978: Schweizer 233A (N7590), Aztec, NM, 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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