# NTSB LAX83LA145: Schweizer SGS2-33A, N7547, Fremont, CA, March 7, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 6, 1983, 16:00 local (Mar 7, 1983, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Fremont, CA
- Coordinates: 37.499336, -121.95977 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4993&lon=-121.9598&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23645
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA145
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23645/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA145

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - lift-off - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT BANGED INTO THE GROUND DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN. THE GLIDER HAD SWERVED OFF THE RWY DURING THE TOW INTO A MUDDY GRASS AREA, THE PLT ATTEMPTED A PREMATURE TAKEOFF TO PREVENT GETTING STRUCK IN THE MUD. HE STATED THAT LACK OF FORWARD SPEED AND THE ANGLE OF THE TOW ROPE CAUSE THE ACFT TO 'SLAM BACK INTO THE GROUND.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7547](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7547), registered now, S/N 177, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS2-33A
- 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: 177
- Engines: NONE unknown
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Brett Willat
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 807, FREEMONT, CA
- Airport: 807, Sky Sailing, runway 28, 1,840 × 30 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: rear; flight hours: 2,450 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJC, 141 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 19830306008359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830306008359A), Mar 6, 1983: Scwzer SGS233A, Fremont Sky Sai, CA, Minor damage. Glider pilot swerved off runway into muddy area during take off. Glider lifted off then slammed back into ground.

## Other investigations on N7547 (2)

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 WPR20CA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20CA273), Aug 14, 2020: Schweizer SGS233 (N7547), Warner Springs, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inability to maintain altitude due to a loss of thermal lift, which resulted in an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB OAK73DVD27](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK73DVD27), Mar 20, 1973: Schweizer SGS233 (N7547), Fremont, CA, substantial damage

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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