# NTSB NYC00LA171: Schempp-Hirth Ventus 2CM, N800PF, Warren, VT, June 19, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 19, 2000, 16:30 local (20:30 UTC) - Place: Warren, VT - Location: 44.1120° N, 72.8559° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Warren, VT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.1120&lon=-72.8559&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report April 19, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 49478 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC00LA171 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/49478/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC00LA171 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions. A factor in the accident was the cross wind. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - object - tree(s) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - stall - intentional, pilot in command ## Analysis While participating in a glider race without motorized power, the pilot received a radio call from the airport that the winds had changed direction and landings were being conducted on Runway 22. While turning base to final for the runway, the pilot was unable to stop the turn with full opposite aileron due to turbulence. As the motorglider descended, the pilot was able to level the wings, but was 90 degrees to the runway and 'into the trees.' The pilot raised the nose of the glider to decrease airspeed, and the motorglider stalled, impacting trees short of the runway. The winds reported by an airport located about 13 miles east of the accident were from 350 degrees at 7 knots. ## Factual narrative On June 19, 2000, about 1630 Eastern Daylight Time, a Schempp-Hirth, Ventus 2CM motorglider, N800PF, was substantially damaged while maneuvering to land at the Warren-Sugarbush Airport, Warren, Vermont. The certificated commercial pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot was participating in a glider race at the airport. The race was to be conducted without motorized power and the motorglider was towed to altitude. According to the pilot, after crossing the finish line at the end of the race, he received a radio call from the airport that the winds had changed direction and landings were being conducted on Runway 22. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn and entered the traffic pattern for the runway. While turning base to final, the pilot was unable to stop the turn with full opposite aileron due to turbulence. As the motorglider descended, the pilot was able to level the wings, but was 90 degrees to the runway and "into the trees." The pilot raised the nose of the glider to decrease airspeed, and the motorglider stalled, impacting trees short of the runway. The winds reported by an airport located about 13 miles east of the accident, at 1651, were from 350 degrees at 7 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: N800PF (not matched to a registry record) - Reported make and model: Schempp-Hirth VENTUS 2CM - Category: Glider - Serial number: 75 - Airframe hours: 40 - Engines: Solo 45 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Peter S. Fuss - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: 0B7 - Airport: Warren-Sugarbush Airport, runway 22, 2,575 × 30 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 67; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 5,000 total, 49 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 350° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: MPV, 13 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 20000619039839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000619039839A), Jun 19, 2000: Sphrth VENTUS2CM, Warren, VT, Substantial damage. (.4)On June 19, 2000, about 1630 eastern daylight time, a schempp-hirth, ventus 2CM motorglider, N800PF, was substantially damaged while maneuvering to land at… 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.