# NTSB NYC82DHA09: Bryan HP-18, N77BF, Hazelton, PA, May 10, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 10, 1982, 15:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Hazelton, PA
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 10, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70992
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC82DHA09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70992/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82DHA09

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED BLAIRSTOWN, PA ON A ROUND ROBIN, TRIANGULAR COURSE TO BETHEL AND DALLAS, PA AND RETURN TO BLAIRSTOWN. HE STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS PROCEEDING FROM BETHEL TO DALLAS HE ENCOUNTERED HEAVY SINKING CONDITIONS IN ADDITION TO A HEAD WIND. REPORTEDLY, THE WIND WAS FROM 34O DEGREES AT 20 GUSTING 35 KNOTS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE SINKING CONDITIONS PERSISTED AND HE WAS FORCED TO LAND. HE STATED THE GLIDER WAS FORCED DOWN INTO TREES ADJACENT TO HIS INTENDED LANDING AREA.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N77BF](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N77BF), registered now, S/N 48, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BRYAN HP-18
- Registry model: [Fitch HP-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/fitch-hp-18) (registry code 0564796) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider, amateur-built
- Serial number: 48
- Airframe hours: 741
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: R.B. Fitch
- Registered owner: R.B. Fitch
- Departed: BLAIRSTOWN, PA
- Destination: ROUND ROBIN & R

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,450 total, 741 in this make and model, 2,415 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles

## 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 19820510014189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820510014189A), May 10, 1982: Amtr HP18, Hazelton, PA, Substantial damage. Glider pilot attempted off airport landing after losing lift on crosscountry flight. Glider crashed into trees.

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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