# NTSB FTW91LA132: Schempp-Hirth Cirrus, N8514, Sealy, TX, July 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 27, 1991, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Sealy, TX
- Coordinates: 29.769361, -96.15007 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7694&lon=-96.1501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23374
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA132
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23374/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA132

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM AN OBJECT ON APPROACH.

## 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
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - wing - fractured

## Analysis

DURING A CIRCLING DESCENT FOR A FINAL APPROACH TO A FIELD IN AN AREA OF NO THERMALS, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A FENCE AND STRUCK A SIX FOOT OAK TREE RESULTING IN IMPACT WITH GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8514](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8514-1992-01-15), registration cancelled 1992-01-15, S/N 54 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHEMPP-HIRTH CIRRUS
- Registry model: [Schempp-Hirth CIRRUS](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-cirrus) (registry code 38019VC) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 54
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Leslie L. Stoner
- Departed: 35R, HEMPSTEAD, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; flight hours: 912 total, 912 in this make and model, 875 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 16 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19910727030629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910727030629A), Jul 27, 1991: Sphrth CIRRUS, Sealy, TX, Substantial damage. Looking for thermals became too low to make airport. Struck a tree on off airfield landing.

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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