# NTSB NYC06CA198: Schempp-Hirth Discus-2CT, N93FR, Julian, PA, August 8, 2006

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: August 8, 2006, 18:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Julian, PA
- Coordinates: 40.865833, -77.940277
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8658&lon=-77.9403&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Emergency descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/600) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 28, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 64301
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC06CA198
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64301/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC06CA198

## Probable cause

The pilot's delayed decision to restart the glider's engine.  A factor in the accident was a loss of thermal lift.

## Sequence of events

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

- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
  - weather condition - thermal lift (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, emergency descent/landing
  - object - residence

## Analysis

According to the pilot, he had performed a cross country glider flight and was returning to his home airport, around dusk, when the glider "got a bit low."  The pilot attempted to start the glider's engine, at approximately 1,200 feet AGL, but was unsuccessful, because he could not maintain the required excessive nose down attitude for engine start.  The pilot then initiated a 180 degree turn to perform a forced landing to a field.  During the turn, the glider encountered "very strong sink," and impacted the edge of a residence.  The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the glider.  He also stated that he should have "abandoned glider flight" and started the engine when he was in the vicinity of an airport.

## Factual narrative

According to the pilot, he had performed a cross country glider flight and was returning to his home airport, around dusk, when the glider "got a bit low."  The pilot attempted to start the glider's engine, at approximately 1,200 feet AGL, but was unsuccessful, because he could not maintain the required excessive nose down attitude for engine start.  The pilot then initiated a 180 degree turn to perform a forced landing to a field.  During the turn, the glider encountered "very strong sink," and impacted the edge of a residence.  The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the glider.  He also stated that he should have "abandoned glider flight" and started the engine when he was in the vicinity of an airport.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N93FR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N93FR-2008-01-07), registration cancelled 2008-01-07, S/N 2, built 2004 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schempp-Hirth Discus-2CT
- Registry model: [Schempp-Hirth DISCUS-2CT](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-discus-2ct) (registry code 3802011) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Solo 2350 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/solo-2350-series) (registry code 58107, 2 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 2
- Airframe hours: 70
- Engines: Solo 2350 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frank Pascale
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: 79N, Julian, PA
- Destination: 79N

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 1, 2005; seat: front; flight hours: 669 total, 70 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 350° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.10 inHg
- Observed at: UNV, 4 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 20060808021529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060808021529A), Aug 8, 2006: Schemp DISCUS2CT, Unionville, PA, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot departed on a planned endurance flight at 1220PM local from julian, PA to williamsport, PA to clearfield, PA, returning to julian, PA (79N) in a…

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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