# NTSB NYC86LA118: Schweizer SGS 1-26, N1140S, Mt. Graylock, MA, May 4, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1986, 15:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Mt. Graylock, MA
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30331
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA118
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30331/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA118

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - aircraft performance - exceeded (cause)
  - aircraft handling - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING SIMULATED CROSS COUNTRY PASSES ON A RIDGE AT AN ALTITUDE OF 150 FT AGL ON THE WINDWARD SIDE OF A RIDGE IN A SCHWEIZER SGS 1-26 SAILPLANE. THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED A ROLL CONDITION FROM WHICH HE LOST CONTROL, WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER AND CRASHED INVERTED IN TREES. THE PRIVATE PILOT HELD AND AIRPLANE SINGLE ENGINE LAND RATING AND HAD A LOG BOOK ENDORSEMENT FOR SOLO FLIGHT IN GLIDERS, HOWEVER HE HAD NOT PASSED HIS PRIVATE PILOT GLIDER CHECKRIDE. THE PILOT, RESTRAINED BY A 5 POINT HARNESS RECEIVED SERIOUS INJURIES, WHILE THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1140S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1140S-1990-09-12), registration cancelled 1990-09-12, S/N 520 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 1-26
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-26E](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-26e) (registry code 8050124) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 520
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mohawk Soaring Club, Inc.
- Departed: 2B6, NORTH ADAMS, MA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 196 total, 10 in this make and model, 140 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- 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 19860504018809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860504018809A), May 4, 1986: Scwzer SGS126E, Mount Graylock, MA, Substantial damage. The glider hit trees and ground during training maneuvers. The student lost aircraft control while ridge running.

## Other investigations on N1140S (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC73DFJ07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC73DFJ07), Sep 4, 1972: Schweizer 1-23 (N1140S), Campbell, NY, substantial damage

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.