# NTSB FTW96LA201: Schweizer SGS-233A, N7773S, Odessa, TX, May 3, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 3, 1996, 09:25 local (14:25 UTC) - Place: Odessa, TX - Location: 31.8457° N, 102.3676° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Odessa, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8457&lon=-102.3676&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor - Status: Completed, report November 25, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19829 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA201 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19829/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA201 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to obtain the required airspeed resulting in a hard landing. A factor was the lack of thermal lift. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Forced landing, takeoff - aborted - glider/tow release - intentional, check pilot - Hard landing, takeoff - aborted - weather condition - thermal lift (contributing factor) - airspeed - not obtained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The FAA inspector (pilot-in-command) was receiving a flight check to remove the commercial pilot 'aero tow only' limitation by completing several ground tow launches. Following five successful ground tow launches, the FAA inspector administering the flight check conducted a discussion to review emergency procedures with the applicant. During the sixth ground tow launch, when the airspeed had accelerated to 45 knots, the pitch attitude had attained 45 degrees, at an altitude of about 160 feet above the ground, the FAA inspector administering the flight check, released the tow line to abort the launch. The FAA inspector (PIC) receiving the flight check pushed the glider nose forward; however, the airspeed did not increase to the 50 knots needed for a landing flare. The glider landed hard, bounced, and subsequently touched down on the runway. Both pilots reported that the glider encountered 'a pocket of sinking air.' ## Factual narrative On May 3, 1996, at 0925 central daylight time, a Schweizer SGS-233A, N7773S, registered to and operated by a private owner as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 flight, was not damaged during a hard landing near Odessa, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local flight. The FAA inspector (airline transport pilot/commercial glider pilot) receiving an FAA flight check, sustained serious injuries. The FAA inspector airline transport pilot/commercial glider pilot, administering the flight check, received minor injuries. During interviews, conducted by the investigator-in-charge and an FAA inspector, the pilots and the owner/operator reported the following information. The owner holds an FAA contract for the training of FAA inspectors for their commercial pilot glider rating and flight instructor glider rating. On May 2, 1996, the FAA inspector being flight checked completed both glider ratings. However, the commercial pilot glider rating contained an "aero tow only" limitation. On the morning of May 3, 1996, this FAA inspector completed an additional (FAA Form 4040) required FAA inspector glider check in order to conduct his work as an FAA glider inspector. The fourth and final flight check was then administered to remove the "aero tow only" limitation by completing several ground tow launches. The pilots and the owner further reported that following five successful ground tow launches, conducted on runway 15 of the dirt airstrip (2,652 feet long and 150 wide) with a Ford Ranchero vehicle, a discussion was held to review emergency procedures. With the winds from the south/southwest degrees at 10 to 18 knots, the 6th ground tow was initiated. When the glider airspeed had accelerated to 45 knots, the pitch attitude had attained 45 degrees, at an altitude of about 140 to 160 feet above the ground, the FAA inspector administering the flight check released the tow line. The pilot receiving the flight check pushed the glider nose full forward; however, the airspeed did not increase to the 50 knots needed for the flare. The glider landed hard, bounced, and subsequently touched down on the runway. The glider then rolled 150 feet before coming to rest off the right edge of the runway. Both pilots reported that the glider encountered "a pocket of sinking air." ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7773S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7773S), registered now, S/N 143, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Schweizer SGS-233A - 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: 143 - Engines: unknown - Damage: No damage - Flight: Part 91 - Registered owner: Juan R. Batch - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: TE33 - Airport: TE33, Eagles Nest Gliderport, runway 15, 2,652 × 150 ft, dirt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 43; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,656 total, 31 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 225° at 10 knots, gusting 18 - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 68 °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 19960503009419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960503009419A), May 3, 1996: Scwzer SGS233A, Midland, TX. During FAA flight check with ground tow launch. Released tow. Glider dived nose first hard landing. Windshear. 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.