# NTSB ERA13CA352: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N1211S, Erwinna, PA, August 4, 2013

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: August 4, 2013, 11:23 local (15:23 UTC)
- Place: Erwinna, PA
- Coordinates: 40.484165, -75.099441 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4842&lon=-75.0994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Landing: Landing area undershoot](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/370)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 19, 2013
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 87691
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA13CA352
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/87691/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87691
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA352

## Probable cause

The student pilot's improper altitude and energy management in the landing pattern which resulted in the glider impacting a tree and landing short of the runway.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 1,310 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062012/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: descent/approach/glide path](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md)
- [Flight control system: drag control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022760): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022760/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022760/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md)
- [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Approach-VFR pattern downwind: Altitude deviation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282/sequence.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 104 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282/sequence.md)
- [Approach-VFR pattern base: Altitude deviation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282/sequence.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 104 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/282/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Landing area undershoot](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/370) (defining event); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/370/sequence.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 201 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/370/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md)

## Analysis

During a local solo flight, the student pilot planned to land the glider on runway 23. On the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern the glider was “high at the key”. Abeam the end of the runway he was still “a little high” so he elected to deploy the wing spoilers. Then while turning on to the base leg of the traffic pattern he was still high, so he decided to crab into the wind and slip the glider. While on base prior to turning final he noticed that the “wind had picked up and it slowed the glider down.” Turning final he noticed “it was going to be close” and had contemplated changing to runway 25; however, he thought the glider would make it to runway 23. The glider impacted a tree about 25 feet above ground level with the left wing and came to rest short of the runway. Postaccident examination of the glider revealed that the left wing and fuselage were substantially damaged.

## Factual narrative

During a local solo flight, the student pilot planned to land the glider on runway 23. On the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern the glider was “high at the key”. Abeam the end of the runway he was still “a little high” so he elected to deploy the wing spoilers. Then while turning on to the base leg of the traffic pattern he was still high, so he decided to crab into the wind and slip the glider. While on base prior to turning final he noticed that the “wind had picked up and it slowed the glider down.” Turning final he noticed “it was going to be close” and had contemplated changing to runway 25; however, he thought the glider would make it to runway 23. The glider impacted a tree about 25 feet above ground level with the left wing and came to rest short of the runway. Postaccident examination of the glider revealed that the left wing and fuselage were substantially damaged.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1211S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1211S-2015-05-20), registration cancelled 2015-05-20, S/N 208, built 1971 (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: 208
- Airframe hours: 4616
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 17, 2013
- Departed: 9N1, Erwinna, PA
- Destination: 9N1, Erwinna, PA
- Airport: 9N1, Vansant Airport, runway 23, 1,340 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Student pilot; age 66; injuries: none; student, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review January 19, 2013; seat: front; flight hours: 460 total, 18 in this make and model, 360 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.93 inHg
- Observed at: DYL, 9 nm away

## 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 20130804017049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130804017049A), Aug 4, 2013: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, Erwinna, PA, Substantial damage. Aircraft was high on left downwind. Pilot used speed brakes to descend. When aircraft turned base, pilot retracted speed brakes. When aircraft turned final it…

## Docket (8 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 31, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=87691. 16.6 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 850 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400530&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF
- Witness Statements and Interview Summaries (item 2, .PDF, 322 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400531&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements%20and%20Interview%20Summaries-Master.PDF
- Weather Reports and Records - KDYL METARS (item 3, .PDF, 203 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400532&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records%20-%20KDYL%20METARS-Master.PDF
- Photo 1: Main Wreckage - Courtesy of FAA (item 4, .PDF, 4.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400535&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20Main%20Wreckage%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Photo 2: Damage to Left Wing - Courtesy of FAA (item 5, .PDF, 3.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400536&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20Damage%20to%20Left%20Wing%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Photo 3: Close Up Photograph of Damage to Left Wing - Courtesy of FAA (item 6, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400537&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%3A%20Close%20Up%20Photograph%20of%20Damage%20to%20Left%20Wing%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Photo 4: Close-Up Photograph of Damage to Nose and Forward Fuselage - Courtesy of FAA (item 7, .PDF, 2.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400538&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%3A%20Close-Up%20Photograph%20of%20Damage%20to%20Nose%20and%20Forward%20Fuselage%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF
- Photo 5: Photograph of Cockpit Showing Damage to Internal Structure - Courtesy of FAA (item 8, .PDF, 2.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400539&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%205%3A%20Photograph%20of%20Cockpit%20Showing%20Damage%20to%20Internal%20Structure%20-%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA-Master.PDF

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.