# NTSB NYC90LA193: Schweizer SGS 1-35, N34461, Erwinna, PA, August 14, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 14, 1990, 13:03 local (17:03 UTC)
- Place: Erwinna, PA
- Coordinates: 40.489414, -75.079444 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4894&lon=-75.0794&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36715
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC90LA193
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36715/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC90LA193

## Probable cause

INADVERTENT RELEASE OF THE TOW LINE AT LOW ALTITUDE. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - glider launch/tow equipment - disconnected (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF ROLL THE TOW ROPE BECAME SLACK AND AS THE GLIDER STARTED ITS INITIAL CLIMB OUT TO ABOUT 50 FEET A.G.L. THE ROPE SLIPPED AFT OFF OF THE TOW HOOK. DURING THE OFF AIRPORT LANDING, THE NOSE TOUCHED A HIGH MOUND OF DIRT, DROPPING THE LEFT WING. THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE GLIDER SKIDDED ABOUT 40 FEET ON THE RIGHT WING COMING TO REST IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N34461](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N34461-2012-09-12), registration cancelled 2012-09-12, S/N 41, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS 1-35
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-35](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-35) (registry code 8050148) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 41
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Richard Allen Giboney
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: 9N1
- Airport: 9N1, Van Sant

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; medical: unknown; flight hours: 439 total, 350 in this make and model, 350 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 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 19900814032989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900814032989A), Aug 14, 1990: Scwzer SGS135, Erwinna, PA, Destroyed. Too much slack in tow rope on initial takeoff unhooked rope. Glider struck a berm on landing off airport.

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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