# NTSB NYC84LA237: Schleicher ASW-15, N111SP, Fairfield, PA, July 8, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1984, 18:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Fairfield, PA
- Coordinates: 39.779731, -77.359489 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7797&lon=-77.3595&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): 35703
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA237
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35703/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA237

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - guy wire (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE GLIDER WAS LANDED OFF ARPT DURING A RETURN FROM A ROUND ROBIN FLT AFTER EXPERIENCING A HIGH SINK RATE. DURING THE LANDING APPROACH POWER LINES HIDDEN IN A TREE LINE WERE NOT CLEARED AND THE COLLISION CAUSED THE ACFT TO YAW ABOUT 45 DEGREES. THE ACFT LANDED IN THIS YAWED CONDITION WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE AIRFRAME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N111SP](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N111SP-1989-05-10), registration cancelled 1989-05-10, S/N 15061 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHLEICHER ASW-15
- Registry model: [Schleicher ASW-15](https://openairdocs.org/model/schleicher-asw-15) (registry code 38015HZ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 15061
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Walter W. Bogie
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 7, 1984, 57 hours before
- Departed: FAIRFIELD, PA
- Airport: Fairfield

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; medical: unknown, unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 64 °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 19840708033619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840708033619A), Jul 8, 1984: Schler ASW15, Fairfield, PA, Substantial damage. Glider was approaching airport for landing when it encountered a severe downdraft and hit wires during 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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