# NTSB NYC89LA152: Schweizer 1-26, N2746H, Elmira, NY, July 1, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 1, 1989, 16:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Elmira, NY
- Coordinates: 42.130306, -76.86988 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.1303&lon=-76.8699&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36426
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA152
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36426/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA152

## Probable cause

AN INADVERTENT ENCOUNTER WITH A DOWNDRAFT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (cause)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - object - pole
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE SCHWEIZER GLIDER WAS PARTICIPATING IN A GLIDER MEET AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET BACK TO THE AIRPORT HE EXPERIENCED A DOWN DRAFT WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOSE ALTITUDE. ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A FIELD FOR AN OFF ARPT LANDING THE PILOT SAID THAT HE HIT A POLE WHICH TURNED THE AIRCRAFT 180 DEGREES BEFORE IT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2746H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2746H-2013-11-07), registration cancelled 2013-11-07, S/N 666, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER 1-26
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-26E](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-26e) (registry code 8050124) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 666
- Airframe hours: 641
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thomas R.Hankinson
- Registered owner: T.R. Hankinson/K.R. Franz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 2, 1988, 69 hours before
- Departed: ELMIRA, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; commercial; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 253 total, 190 in this make and model, 221 as pilot in command, 34 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890701018899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890701018899A), Jul 1, 1989: Scwzer SGS126E, Elmira, NY, Destroyed. Ran out of lift in downdraft struck a siren pole trying to land in a open field.

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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