# NTSB NYC84FFJ04: Schweizer SGS 1-36, N3622E, Elmira, NY, August 25, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 25, 1984, 16:18 local (20:18 UTC)
- Place: Elmira, NY
- Coordinates: 42.089363, -76.83953 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0894&lon=-76.8395&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35381
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84FFJ04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35381/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84FFJ04

## 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)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

VERY SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT 150 TO 200 FT THE TOW ROPE FAILED. THE GLIDER INITIATED A STEEP LEFT TURN BACK TO THE ARPT. DURING THE TURN WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT TO STALL AND ENTER AN UNCONTROLLED NEAR VERTICAL DESCENT TO GROUND IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3622E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3622E-1989-01-26), registration cancelled 1989-01-26, S/N 42 (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)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 42
- Airframe hours: 289
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Warren V.Hoxie
- Registered owner: Schweizer Aircraft Corp
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 7, 1984, 65 hours before
- Departed: ELM, ELMIRA, NY
- Destination: ELM, ELMIRA, NY
- Airport: ELM, Elmira/Corning

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ELM, 1 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 19840825043279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840825043279A), Aug 25, 1984: Scwzer SGS136, Elmira, NY, Substantial damage. Glider pilot tryed a 180 back to airport after tow rope broke during climb out after takeoff.

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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