# NTSB SEA92LA172: Schweizer SGU 2-22CK, N3907A, Ephrata, WA, July 31, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1992, 07:20 local (14:20 UTC)
- Place: Ephrata, WA
- Coordinates: 47.269111, -119.589622 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.2691&lon=-119.5896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42869
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA172
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42869/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA172

## Probable cause

THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE LANDING FLARE. FACTORS INCLUDE A LACK OF TOTAL PILOT EXPEREINCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - flare - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT OF THE SGU-2-22 GLIDER TOUCHED DOWN OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE TAXIWAY, WHICH WAS BEING USED AS A RUNWAY FOR THE GLIDER ACTIVITY. WHEN THE AIRCRAFT BOUNCED BACK INTO THE AIR, SHE ATTEMPTED A RECOVERY, BUT LANDED IN THE DIRT BESIDE THE TAXIWAY, AND LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3907A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3907A), registered now, S/N 66, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHWEIZER SGU 2-22CK
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGU 2-22CK](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgu-2-22ck) (registry code 8050610) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 66
- Airframe hours: 977
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Civil Air Patrol Inc
- Registered owner: Civil Air Patrol Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 17, 1992, 11 hours before
- Airport: EPH, Ephrata Municipal Airport, runway 11, 6,000 ×  ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 15; student; medical: unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 5 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## Other investigations on N3907A (1)

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.

- [NTSB WPR09CA368](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA368), Jul 24, 2009: Schweizer SGU 2-22CK (N3907A), Ephrata, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The premature launch signal given by the wing walker.

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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