# NTSB SEA92LA036: Schweizer SGS-1-35C, N2818H, Hood River, OR, January 5, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 5, 1992, 13:40 local (21:40 UTC)
- Place: Hood River, OR
- Coordinates: 45.610176, -121.58039 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6102&lon=-121.5804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41624
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA036
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41624/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA036

## Probable cause

POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION ALONG WITH THE PILOT'S RESTRICTED VISIBILITY.  FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: CLOUDS AND VFR FLIGHT INTO IMC.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, maneuvering
  - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - inadvertent, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - restricted, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

DURING THE TOW TO ALTITUDE, THE CANOPY FOGGED OVER. THE PILOT'S VISIBILITY WAS GREATLY REDUCED AND AFTER RELEASING AT 2,800 FEET, THE PILOT TRIED TO CLEAR THE CANOPY; HOWEVER, THE FLIGHT INADVERTENTLY ENTERED IMC.  THE PILOT EJECTED THE CANOPY AND SPOTTED A FIELD.  DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE GLIDER COLLIDED WITH STUMPS AND CUT TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2818H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2818H-2013-11-12), registration cancelled 2013-11-12, S/N 78, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGS-1-35C
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 1-35C](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-1-35c) (registry code 8050151) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 78
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Willamette Valley Soaring Club

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; flight hours: 212 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,600 ft overcast
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: DLS, 15 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 19920105000099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920105000099A), Jan 5, 1992: Scwzer SGS135C, Hood River, OR, Destroyed. Canopy fogged up on tow. Released. Unable to see out,entered cloud. Jettisoned canopy. Broke out. Hit trees landing

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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