GT. BARRINGTON, MA, USA
N2724H
SCHWEIZER SGS-2-33A
THE AIRCRAFT WAS AIRBORNE WITH A PRIVATE PILOT ON THE FLIGHT CONTROLS IN FRONT AND A CFI IN THE REAR SEAT. THE CFI SAID HIS PURPOSE WAS TO OBSERVE PILOTING TECHNIQUE AND JUDGEMENT WITH NO FORMAL INSTRUCTION PLANNED. THE PRIVATE PILOT TOOK THE GLIDER BEYOND GLIDING DISTANCE TO THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT AND ALTHOUGH THE CFI SAID HE PROTESTED THE PILOT'S ACTION, HE ALLOWED IT TO HAPPEN. WITH THE PRIVATE PILOT STILL ON THE CONTROLS, THE GLIDER WAS SET UP FOR A PRECAUTIONARY OFF AIRPORT LANDING IN A FIELD AND ENCOUNTERED AN AREA OF SINK. THE GLIDER STRUCK A TREE, SPUN AROUND AND HIT THE GROUND NOSE FIRST.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE FROM TREE DURING THE PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. FACTOR WAS A LOSS OF THERMAL LIFT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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