# NTSB NYC92LA033: Schweizer SGS-1-36, N3617C, Erwinna, PA, November 15, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 15, 1991, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Erwinna, PA
- Coordinates: 40.490119, -75.080024 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4901&lon=-75.0800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report April 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37110
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37110/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA033

## Probable cause

THE PILOT ROTATED THE GLIDER PREMATURELY, RESULTING IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AT TOO LOW AN ALTITUDE TO ALLOW RECOVERY. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S TOTAL LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN GLIDERS, NO EXPERIENCE IN THIS TYPE OF GLIDER, AND IMPROPER TRIM SETTING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - trim setting - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - rotation - premature, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground (cause)

## Analysis

JUST AFTER LIFT OFF THE GLIDER BALLOONED ABOVE THE TOW PLANE.  THE PILOT USED ELEVATOR CONTROL TO LOWER THE ALTITUDE WHICH RESULTED IN THE GLIDER MAKING CONTACT WITH THE RUNWAY AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER.  THE GLIDER CLIMBED ABOVE THE TOW PLANE AGAIN, THEN PITCHED NOSE DOWN INTO THE GROUND.  ACCORDING TO THE PILOT THIS WAS HIS FIRST FLIGHT IN THIS TYPE OF GLIDER AND HE SAID HE ESTIMATED THE TRIM SETTING BECAUSE HE WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE TRIM SYSTEM ON THIS TYPE OF GLIDER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3617C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3617C-1992-02-20), registration cancelled 1992-02-20, S/N 12 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS-1-36
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-36](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-36) (registry code 8050153) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 12
- Airframe hours: 360
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James S. Neithercott
- Registered owner: Freedom'S Wings Int'L
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000, 20 hours before
- Airport: 9N1, Van Sant, runway 23, 3,000 × 400 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; medical: unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 54 total, 16 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 50 °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 19911115052079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911115052079A), Nov 15, 1991: Scwzer SGS136, Erwinna, PA, Substantial damage. First flight in type. Unsure of trim,pitched up on tow. Used down elevator,hit runway,bounced,released and crashed.

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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