# NTSB NYC99LA170: Pilatus B-4, N20RK, Erwinna, PA, July 8, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1999, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Erwinna, PA
- Coordinates: 40.490997, -75.079772 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4910&lon=-75.0798&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 3, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 46964
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC99LA170
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46964/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA170

## Probable cause

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain aircraft control.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - crosswind
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The pilot flew a left traffic pattern to Runway 23.  On short final approach, approximately 100 feet from the runway threshold, a gust of wind forced the glider to the left, into trees.  At an airport approximately 17 miles away, at 1551, the reported winds were from 280 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots, an varying from 250 to 320 degrees.

## Factual narrative

On July 8, 1999, about 1530 Eastern Daylight Time, a Pilatus B-4 glider, N20RK, was substantially damaged while landing at Vansant Airport (9N1), Erwinna, Pennsylvania.  The certificated commercial pilot was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight.  No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot stated that he flew a left traffic pattern to Runway 23 at 9N1.  On short final approach, approximately 100 feet from the runway threshold, a gust of wind forced the glider to the left, into trees.  When asked about other available runways, the pilot stated that the other runways are reserved for "motorized" traffic.  He further stated that although he did not obtain a full weather briefing, he did telephone a recorded weather forecast system, provided by the National Weather Service.

At an airport approximately 17 miles away, at 1551, the reported winds were from 280 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots, and varying from 250 to 320 degrees.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, and a representative from Pilatus, there was no maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the accident glider.  Examination of the wreckage by the inspector revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions, nor did the pilot report any.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N20RK](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N20RK-2017-03-06), registration cancelled 2017-03-06, S/N 249, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Pilatus B-4
- Registry model: [Pilatus B4-PC11](https://openairdocs.org/model/pilatus-b4-pc11) (registry code 7090104) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 249
- Airframe hours: 187
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Richard J. Kearney
- Last inspection: Annual, June 24, 1999, 3 hours before
- Departed: 9N1
- Airport: 9N1, Vansant Airport, runway 23, 1,340 × 200 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,223 total, 177 in this make and model, 1,057 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 10 knots, gusting 19
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ABE, 140 nm away

## 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 19990708008679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990708008679A), Jul 8, 1999: Pilats B4PC11, Erwinna, PA, Substantial damage. Acft landed short of the rwy and sustained substantial damage. (.19)on July 8, 1999, about 1530 eastern daylight time a Pilatus B-4 glider, N20RK, was…

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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