BARRE, MA, USA
N65852
SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33
THE GLIDER PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE THERMAL SOARING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 3350 FEET, HE ENCOUNTERED SINKING AIR. HE STATED THAT HE TRIED TO RETURN TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT, BUT SUBSEQUENTLY HEADED FOR AN OPEN FIELD ONE-HALF MILE FROM THE AIRPORT. HOWEVER, A UTILITY POLE WAS IN HIS PATH. DURING A TURN TO AVOID THE POLE, THE GLIDER WAS REPORTED TO HAVE STALLED ABOUT 25 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND AND STRUCK THE GROUND IN A NOSE DOWN, LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE.
On October 22, 1995, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33 glider, N65852, was substantially damaged when it struck the ground in Barre, Massachusetts. The private pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight which had departed the Tanner-Hiller Airport, Barre, at 1400, and was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot stated: Takeoff & tow to 3000 ft AGL normal Thermaled to 3350 Experienced heavy sink - Tried to return to airport Flew into a position where I wouldn't continue because of utility pole Turned left - left wing contacted ground - aircraft rotated 180 degrees When interviewed, the pilot reported that the glider stalled during the turn, at an altitude of about 25 feet above the ground. According to the FAA, the left wing was bent outboard of the strut attach point, and the fuselage was bent about 6 feet behind the cockpit.
The pilot's improper inflight planning/decision, which resulted in his failure to return to the airport after encountering an area of no thermal lift, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering to avoid an obstruction during an off airport landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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