# NTSB FTW85LA354: Schweizer SGS 1-26C, N126P, Rockdale, TX, September 8, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 8, 1985, 16:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Rockdale, TX
- Coordinates: 30.649576, -96.999343 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.6496&lon=-96.9993&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21853
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA354
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21853/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA354

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OBSERVED AND CLEARED SERVERAL OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE APPROACH PATH OF HIS INTENDED LANDING AREA. HOWEVER, HE DID NOT SEE ONE SMALL AND UNMARKED ELECTRICAL POWER LINE UNTIL TOO LATE TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION. THIS LINE WAS ABOUT 30 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AT THE EDGE OF THE FIELD IN WHICH HE HAD PLANNED TO LAND. AFTER IMPACT THE GLIDER SMAPPED VIOLENTLY ABOUT 270 DEGREES TO THE LEFT AND IMPACTED THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N126P (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 1-26C
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 284
- Airframe hours: 916
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Soaring Club Of Houston
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 9, 1985, 71 hours before
- Departed: 35R, HEMPSTEAD, TX
- Destination: 35R, HEMPSTEAD, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 947 total, 102 in this make and model, 757 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 99 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19850908043969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850908043969A), Sep 8, 1985: Scwzer SGS126C, Rockdale, TX, Substantial damage. Struck powerlines during off airport landing. Impacted ground nose and wing down.

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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