# NTSB NYC83LA154: Schweizer 2-33, N65859, Freeport, PA, June 5, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 5, 1983, 15:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Freeport, PA
- Coordinates: 40.679538, -79.679977 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.6795&lon=-79.6800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35212
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC83LA154
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35212/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC83LA154

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE GLIDER COLLIDED WITH A FENCE DURING LANDING. THE GLIDER HAD EXPERIENCED LOSS OF LIFT SHORTLY AFTER A RELEASE FROM TOW AT 2500 FT AGL. HEAVY SINK AND ALT LOSS WAS ENCOUNTERED AND CONTINUED. THE PILOT STARTED A LONG STRAIGHT IN FINAL APPROACH TO LAND BUT IT WAS STARTED A LITTLE LATE AND THE GLIDER HAD INSUFFICIENT ALT LEFT TO CLEAR A FENCE AT THE APPROACH END OF THE RWY. THE GLIDER WINGS STRUCK THE FENCE POSTS. THE PILOT WAS NOT INJURED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N65859](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N65859), registered now, S/N 347, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER 2-33
- 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: 347
- Airframe hours: 914
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Glennon C. Kidd
- Registered owner: Butler Soaring Assoc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, April 23, 1983, 0 hours before
- Departed: G06, FREEPORT, PA
- Airport: G06, Mcville, runway 21, 2,300 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 332 total, 25 in this make and model, 273 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19830605027179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830605027179A), Jun 5, 1983: Scwzer SGS233A, Freeport, PA, Substantial damage. Glider crashed into fence on final approach for landing.

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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