# NTSB ERA13LA229: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N2045T, Erwinna, PA, May 4, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 4, 2013, 10:50 local (14:50 UTC) - Place: Erwinna, PA - Coordinates: 40.48389, -75.099723 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4839&lon=-75.0997&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Flight control sys malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report April 23, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 86821 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA13LA229 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/86821/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=86821 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13LA229 ## Probable cause The pilot’s loss of glider control due to improper rigging of the rudder control cables, the mechanic’s inadequate flight control checks following the glider’s most recent annual inspection, and the pilot’s failure to perform a thorough preflight inspection. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Maintenance: installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 371 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md) - [Flight control system: rudder control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022720): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022720/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 93 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022720/cases.md) - [Inspection: preflight inspection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 551 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md) - [Inspection: scheduled/routine inspection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061520): Personnel issues › Task performance · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061520/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 167 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061520/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible (probable cause); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Flight control sys malf/fail](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333) (defining event); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 410 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/333/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=8051606), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: 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) ## Analysis The glider pilot intended to practice stalls after being towed to an altitude of 3,000 feet mean sea level. Shortly after takeoff, the tow pilot observed the glider yaw left, then right, and then left again. He added that, for most of the tow, the glider appeared to be above the normal tow position with its nose pointed 45 degrees right. About 400 feet above ground level, the glider pilot released the tow line, and the glider turned about 180 degrees left; its right wing then impacted trees, and the glider pitched down and impacted terrain. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the rudder control cables were rigged backward. The accident flight was the first flight following the glider's most recent annual inspection. Before the annual inspection, the rudder had been removed for repair then re-installed. The mechanic who conducted a flight control check after the annual inspection with assistance from another pilot seated in the cockpit stated that he confirmed movement of the rudder while at the rear of the glider; however, he did not see which pedal the pilot was pushing and did not verbally confirm the corresponding position of the rudder pedals. If the pilot had conducted a thorough preflight inspection, he should have been able to detect that the rudder control cables were rigged backward. ## Factual narrative On May 4, 2013, about 1050 eastern daylight time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A glider, N2045T, registered to and operated by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain, near Erwinna, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The maintenance test flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight originated from Vansant Airport (9N1), Erwinna, Pennsylvania about 1045. The pilot was critically injured and was unable to provide any information about the accident. According to the tow plane pilot, the glider pilot intended to practice stalls after being towed to an altitude of 3,000 feet mean sea level. After takeoff from runway 07, the tow plane pilot observed the glider yaw to the left, then right, and left again. For most of the flight, the glider appeared to be above the normal tow position with its nose pointed 45 degrees to the right. Approximately 400 feet above ground level, the glider pilot released the tow line and made a left turn. The tow plane pilot observed the glider turn about 180 degrees, where it impacted trees with its right wing, pitched down, and impacted terrain. Postaccident examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the rudder controls were rigged backwards. According to FAA records, the pilot held a commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates, with ratings for airplane single-engine land, instrument airplane, and glider. His most recent FAA second class medical certificate was issued on August 30, 2011. As of April 15, 2013, the pilot reported 13,290 total hours of flight experience; of which, 8,960 of those hours were in gliders. The two-seat glider was manufactured in 1977. Review of the glider's logbooks revealed that its most recent annual inspection was completed on May 1, 2013. At the time of inspection, the glider had accumulated 13,626 total hours. According to the mechanic, who performed the annual inspection, the glider was scheduled for a total restoration in the fall of 2012. Due to lack of funding the restoration never took place and the disassembled glider sat on a trailer through the winter. During the spring of 2013, the glider was reassembled and an annual inspection was performed. The rudder had been removed at an earlier date due to previous damage, repaired, and re-installed prior to the annual inspection. The flight was the first flight following the most recent annual inspection. A mechanic performed a flight control check after the annual inspection. According to the mechanic, he stood at the rear of the glider and held the rudder while another pilot sat in the cockpit and moved the pedals. The mechanic could not see which pedal the pilot was pushing and did not verbally confirm the position of the pedals. The 2-33 Sailplane Flight-Erection-Maintenance manual preflightinspection checklist included inspecting the condition, operation, security of attachment and/or other signs of failure of the rudder and other components. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2045T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2045T-2023-09-16), registration cancelled 2023-09-16, S/N 475, built 1977 (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: 475 - Year built: 1977 - Airframe hours: 13624 - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Flight test, Part 91 - Operator: Civil Air Patrol - Registered owner: Civil Air Patrol - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 15, 2013, 0 hours before - Departed: 9N1, Erwinna, PA - Destination: 9N1, Erwinna, PA - Flight plan: Company VFR - Airport: 9N1, Vansant Arpt, runway 07, 3,058 × 120 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 76; injuries: serious; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 20, 2012; seat: front; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 13,290 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 30.28 inHg - Observed at: DYL, 10 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 20130504007869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130504007869A), May 4, 2013: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, Erwinna, PA, Substantial damage. Pilot departed Van Sant Airport (9N1) in a glider N2045T owned by the civil air patrol. The glider had just been annualed and this was the first flight. Pilot… ## Other investigations on N2045T (1) 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 DEN82DA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA064), Apr 17, 1982: Schweizer SGS-2-33A (N2045T), Colorado Spring, CO, substantial damage ## Docket (13 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 5, 2014, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=86821. 8.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 138 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40401426&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pilot's Lookbook (item 2, .PDF, 490 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40406155&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Lookbook-Redacted.PDF - FAA Inspector Examination (email) (item 3, .PDF, 87 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40405722&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Examination%20(email)-Redacted.PDF - Annual Inspection (item 4, .PDF, 199 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396774&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Annual%20Inspection-Redacted.PDF - Mechanic's Statement (item 5, .PDF, 67 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396785&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Mechanic%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Tow Pilot's Statement (item 6, .PDF, 80 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40406162&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Tow%20Pilot%27s%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Preflight Inspection (excerpt from The 2-33 Sailplane Flight-Erection-Maintenance Manual) (item 7, .PDF, 48 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40406525&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Preflight%20Inspection%20(excerpt%20from%20The%202-33%20Sailplane%20Flight-Erection-Maintenance%20Manual)-Master.PDF - Witness Statement (item 8, .PDF, 112 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396782&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Memorandum for Record (POA for accident pilot) (item 9, .PDF, 55 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40406158&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20(POA%20for%20accident%20pilot)-Master.PDF - Retention / Release of Wreckage Form (item 10, .PDF, 199 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40406163&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Retention%20%2F%20Release%20of%20Wreckage%20Form-Redacted.PDF - Photograph # 1: Rudder cables (Courtesy of FAA) (item 11, .PDF, 4.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396788&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%23%201%3A%20Rudder%20cables%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photograph #2: Front port view of airplane (Courtesy of FAA) (item 12, .PDF, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396789&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%232%3A%20Front%20port%20view%20of%20airplane%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photograph #3: View of damage to right wing (Courtesy of FAA) (item 13, .PDF, 1.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40396790&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photograph%20%233%3A%20View%20of%20damage%20to%20right%20wing%20(Courtesy%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.