# NTSB NYC90LA168: Schweizer SGS-2-33A, N2724H, Gt. Barrington, MA, July 21, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1990, 12:29 local (16:29 UTC)
- Place: Gt. Barrington, MA
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36697
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA168
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36697/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA168

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM TREE DURING THE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. FACTOR WAS A LOSS OF THERMAL LIFT.

## 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
  - weather condition - no thermal lift
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - not performed, pilot passenger (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS AIRBORNE WITH A PRIVATE PILOT ON THE FLIGHT CONTROLS IN FRONT AND A CFI IN THE REAR SEAT. THE CFI SAID HIS PURPOSE WAS TO OBSERVE PILOTING TECHNIQUE AND JUDGEMENT WITH NO FORMAL INSTRUCTION PLANNED. THE PRIVATE PILOT TOOK THE GLIDER BEYOND GLIDING DISTANCE TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT AND ALTHOUGH THE CFI SAID HE PROTESTED THE PILOT'S ACTION, HE ALLOWED IT TO HAPPEN. WITH THE PRIVATE PILOT STILL ON THE CONTROLS, THE GLIDER WAS SET UP FOR A PRECAUTIONARY OFF AIRPORT LANDING IN A FIELD AND ENCOUNTERED AN AREA OF SINK. THE GLIDER STRUCK A TREE, SPUN AROUND AND HIT THE GROUND NOSE FIRST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2724H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2724H), registered now, S/N 504, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS-2-33A
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-33A](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-33a) (registry code 8051606) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 504
- Airframe hours: 1841
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Nutmeg Soaring Association
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 24, 1990, 38 hours before
- Departed: GBR, GRT BARRINGTON, MA
- Airport: GBR, Great Barrington, runway 29, 2,600 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 76; flight instructor, commercial; seat: rear; flight hours: 810 total, 516 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19900721027639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900721027639A), Jul 21, 1990: Scwzer SGS233A, Great Barringto, MA, Substantial damage. On evaluation flight. Student became too FAR from airport without thermals. Struck tree on off airport landing.

## Other investigations on N2724H (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 NYC92LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA098), Jun 3, 1992: Schweizer SGS 2-32 (N2724H), New Milford, CT, substantial damage. Probable cause: INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN THE GLIDER STRIKING A VEHICLE PARKED NEXT TO THE RUNWAY.

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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