# NTSB NYC91LA066: Schweizer SGS 2-33A, N5763S, Williamstown, MA, January 26, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 26, 1991, 13:07 local (18:07 UTC)
- Place: Williamstown, MA
- Location: 42.7089° N, 73.2013° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Williamstown, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.7089&lon=-73.2013&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36872
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA066
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36872/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA066

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO RETRACT THE SPEED BRAKES DURING THE PREFLIGHT, WHICH RESULTED IN THE TOW AIRPLANE BEING UNABLE TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE PRIOR TO RELEASING THE GLIDER, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LANDING OF THE GLIDER ON UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - speed brakes - inadvertent use, pilot in command (cause)
  - climb - not possible, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - utility pole

## Analysis

THE PILOT DID NOT RETRACT THE SPEED BRAKES PRIOR TO TAKEOFF.  THE TOW PILOT WAS UNABLE TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE AND AIRSPEED AND HAD TO RELEASE THE GLIDER AT A LOW ALTITUDE.  THE GLIDER PILOT THEN RETRACTED THE SPEED BRAKES, BUT HE DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH ALTITUDE TO CLIMB.  HE MADE A FORCED LANDING AND STRUCK A POLE.  THE GLIDER PILOT HAD A TOTAL OF 26 HOURS IN GLIDERS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5763S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5763S-2002-04-24), registration cancelled 2002-04-24, S/N 96, built 1968 (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: 96
- Engines: unknown UNK/NA unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Mohawk Soaring Club
- Registered owner: Mohawk Soaring Club
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, multi-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 3,004 total, 1,986 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported

## 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 19910126001159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910126001159A), Jan 26, 1991: Scwzer SGS233A, North Adams, MA, Substantial damage. Took off in glider tow with dive brakes open. Pilot saw them as tow plane released. Too low,hit wires and power pole

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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