# NTSB MIA97LA074: Schweizer SGS-2-33A, N233HH, Clermont, FL, January 25, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 25, 1997, 13:02 local (18:02 UTC)
- Place: Clermont, FL
- Coordinates: 28.54973, -81.75019 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.5497&lon=-81.7502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 30, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 38212
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA97LA074
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38212/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA074

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision by electing to be towed aloft with a cold front nearby, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with wind gusts from the nearby cold front and subsequent in-flight collision with trees.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - sudden windshift (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

The pilot elected to be towed aloft, as a cold front was approaching. While on final approach to land, the glider encountered a wind gust, which resulted in an uncommanded left bank and a 120-degree change in direction. The pilot recovered, then landed the glider in trees short of the runway. The gliderport owner stated that he was just about to cancel flight operations when the accident occurred.

## Factual narrative

On January 25, 1997, about 1302 eastern standard time, a Schweizer SGS2-33A glider, N233HH, registered to Seminole Flying & Soaring, Inc., collided with trees while on final approach to land at the Seminole Lake Gliderport, Clermont, Florida.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight.  The glider was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot sustained minor injuries.  The flight was towed aloft about 1236 from the Seminole Lake Gliderport.

The pilot stated that there was a cold front approaching from the northwest about 3-4 miles away.  While on final approach the glider entered an uncommanded left bank resulting in a 120-degree change in direction.  He recovered then landed in trees short of the runway.  According to the owner of the gliderport, he was just about to cancel flight operations about the time of the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N233HH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N233HH), registered now, S/N 77, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer SGS-2-33A
- 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: 77
- Airframe hours: 2955
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Seminole Flying & Soaring, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 15, 1997, 3 hours before
- Departed: 6FL0
- Airport: 6FL0, Seminole Lake Gliderport, runway 18, 3,000 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 75; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 650 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,300 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCO, 28 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 19970125001549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970125001549A), Jan 25, 1997: Scwzer SGS233A, Groveland, FL, Substantial damage. Collided with trees on final. Entered uncommanded left bank. Caused 120 degree heading change. Blamed clod front.

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.