# NTSB MIA89LA206: Schweizer SGS 1-26C, N9944J, Ms State Univ, MS, July 23, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1989, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Ms State Univ, MS
- Coordinates: 33.450622, -88.790466 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4506&lon=-88.7905&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 9, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32469
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA206
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32469/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA206

## Probable cause

IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISON BY THE PILOT.  CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: FAILURE OF THE TOW VEHICLE DRIVER TO USE/MAINTAIN THE PROPER SPEED, THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL FLYING EXPERIENCE, AND HIGH VEGETATION (UNCUT HAY).

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff - initial climb
  - glider launch/tow equipment - disconnected
  - miscellaneous - improper, driver of vehicle (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AN AUTO TOW WAS BEING USED TO LAUNCH THE GLIDER. AS THE GLIDER REACHED AN ALT OF ABOUT 200 TO 250 FT, THE AUTO DRIVER REALIZED HE WAS EXCEEDING THE PLANNED SPEED, SO HE SLOWED THE AUTO BY 5 TO 10 MPH. AT THAT TIME, THE TOW LINE SLACKENED,THEN RELEASED AUTOMATICALLY. THE STUDENT PLT DECIDED TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD INTO AN UNCUT HAY FIELD. DRG THE LANDING, THE HAY CAUGHT THE RIGHT WING & THE GLIDER GROUND LOOPED, DAMAGING THE WING & FUSELAGE. THE RECOGNIZED SOARING PUBLICATIONS ADVISED THAT 180 DEG TURNS BACK TO THE RWY FOR DOWNWIND LNDGS WERE SAFE & PERMISSIBLE AT ALTITUDES OF 200 FT OR MORE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9944J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9944J), registered now, S/N 92, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 1-26C
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-26C](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-26c) (registry code 8050120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 92
- Airframe hours: 700
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: State College Glider Club, Inc
- Registered owner: Mississippi St. Glider Club
- Last inspection: Annual, January 3, 1989, 3 hours before
- Airport: STF, George M Bryan Field, runway 18, 5,050 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; student; seat: center; flight hours: 28 total, 3 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 9 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CBM, 22 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 19890723027199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890723027199A), Jul 23, 1989: Scwzer SGS126C, Starkville, MS, Substantial damage. Auto tow car slowed, causing glider to release. Landed in tall hay.

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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