# NTSB NYC90LA092: Schweizer SGS-1-26B, N9856E, Unionville, PA, April 26, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 26, 1990, 14:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Unionville, PA
- Coordinates: 39.899971, -75.740699 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9000&lon=-75.7407&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 10, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36632
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA092
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36632/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA092

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF THERMAL LIFT WHICH NECESSITATED A FORCED LANDING ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN COVERED BY TREES AND HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - no thermal lift (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s)
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command

## Analysis

WHILE MAINTAINING AN ALTITUDE OF 1500 FEET, LIGHT RAIN WAS ENCOUNTERED AND THE GLIDER BEGAN LOSING LIFT. A DECISION WAS MADE TO LAND IN THE VALLEY THAT PARALLELED THE GLIDERPORT. DURING ROLL OUT AFTER TOUCHDOWN, THE GROUND DROPPED CAUSING THE GLIDER TO BECOME AIRBORNE AGAIN, AND ANOTHER LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED IN ANOTHER FIELD. HOWEVER, THE GLIDER STRUCK SOME TREES AND WAS DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9856E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9856E), registered now, S/N 322, built 1965 (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: 322
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jerome E. Ruthman
- Registered owner: Red Wing Soaring Club
- Departed: JULIAN, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; flight hours: 2,225 total, 100 in this make and model, 1,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- 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 19900426011849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900426011849A), Apr 26, 1990: Scwzer SGS126B, Unionville, PA, Substantial damage. Elected to land off airport due to rain in area and lost lift. Misjudged landing area and struck trees.

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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