# NTSB NYC82DA153: Schweizer SGS-1-36, N3620Y, New London, NH, July 3, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1982, 10:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: New London, NH
- Location: 43.4157° N, 71.9861° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of New London, NH, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4157&lon=-71.9861&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 3, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71981
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC82DA153
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71981/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82DA153

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - glider launch/tow equipment - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - object - other person (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE BEING TOWED DURING TAKEOFF, THE WEAK LINK ON THE TOW ROPE FAILED WHEN THE GLIDER WAS ABOUT 125 FT AGL. THE PILOT STARTED TO LAND ON A GOLF COURSE AHEAD, BUT SPOTTED GOLFERS IN HIS INTENDED LANDING AREA. THE GLIDER STALLED WHILE HE WAS IN A STEEP TURN. HE THEN LOWERED THE NOSE AND CRASHED INTO TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3620Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3620Y-2013-04-30), registration cancelled 2013-04-30, S/N 34, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS-1-36
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-36](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-36) (registry code 8050153) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 34
- Airframe hours: 18
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Paul J. Vinci
- Registered owner: Paul J. Vinci
- Departed: NEW LONDON, NH
- Destination: NEW LONDON, NH
- Airport: Eagles Nest

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,685 total, 12 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 5 knots
- Temperature: 158 °F

## 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 19820703032469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820703032469A), Jul 3, 1982: Scwzer SGS136, New London, NH, Substantial damage. Glider tow rope parted on takeoff. Glider stalled into trees turning to avoid people on a golf course. Rope defect.

## Other investigations on N3620Y (1)

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 NYC01LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC01LA114), May 6, 2001: Schweitzer 136 (N3620Y), Tinicum Twnshp., PA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's improper decision to delay his landing. A factor related to the accident was the loss of thermal lift.

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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