# NTSB NYC85LA122: Schweizer SGS-1-26B, N2401W, Toughkenamon, PA, May 11, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 11, 1985, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Toughkenamon, PA
- Coordinates: 39.830856, -75.749336 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8309&lon=-75.7493&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: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35872
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA122
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35872/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA122

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff - initial climb
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - unlocked (contributing factor)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - open (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - runway (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE GLIDER WAS BEING TOWED FOR TAKEOFF & HAD JUST BECOME AIRBORNE WHEN THE CANOPY CAME OPEN. THE PLT TRIED TO LATCH THE CANOPY, BUT WAS UNABLE, SO HE RELEASED THE GLIDER FROM THE TOW PLANE. WHILE THE PLT CONTINUED TO TRY TO LATCH THE CANOPY, THE GLIDER WENT TO THE RIGHT OF THE RWY. HE THEN TURNED BACK TOWARD THE RWY, BUT THE GLIDER WAS LOW & ITS LEFT WING CONTACTED THE SIDE OF THE RWY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2401W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2401W), registered now, S/N 347, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS-1-26B
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-26B](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-26b) (registry code 8050118) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 347
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Brandywine Soaring Assoc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 2, 1984
- Airport: N57Q, New Garden, runway 24, 3,400 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; student; medical: unknown, unknown; flight hours: 23 total, 4 in this make and model, 9 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19850511016369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850511016369A), May 11, 1985: Scwzer SGS126B, Toughkenamon, PA, Substantial damage. Canopy came open after liftoff. Unsuccessful attempt to close canopy, tow release. Wing struck ground on turnback.

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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