# NTSB SEA84LA080: Schweizer SGS1-26C, N4450N, Mount Vernon, WA, April 8, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 8, 1984, 15:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Mount Vernon, WA
- Coordinates: 48.419727, -122.419235 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.4197&lon=-122.4192&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39892
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA84LA080
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39892/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84LA080

## Analysis

THE SAILPLANE ENCOUNTERED DETERIDRATING THERMALS & ELECTED TO MAKE AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING AS HE DID NOT THINK HE COULD REACH THE AIRPORT. HE OVERSHOT THE SELECTED FIELD IN HIS ATTEMPT TO MISS SOME WIRES AT THE APCH END OF THE FIELD DESPITETHE USE OF SPOILERS & SIDE SLIPPING. THE ACFT STRUCK A DITCH ON ROLLOUT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- Overrun, landing - flare/touchdown
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4450N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4450N), registered now, S/N 365 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS1-26C
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-26C](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-26c) (registry code 8050120) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 365
- Airframe hours: 472
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Chuckanut Soaring Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 12, 1983, 27 hours before
- Departed: 75S, BURLINGTON, WA
- Destination: WA40, MOUNT VERNON, WA
- Airport: OS4, Barker, runway 34, 2,050 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 171 total, 4 in this make and model, 146 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BLT, 30 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 19840408028559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840408028559A), Apr 8, 1984: Scwzer SGS126C, Mount Vernon, WA, Destroyed. Lost lift. Overshot off airport landing in a field and ran into a ditch. Wires on approach end of field.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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