Schweizer SGS 2-33 N65852

Summary

On 22 October 1995 at about 18:30 local time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33 registered N65852, operated by Bouchard Gliders, was involved in an accident near Barre, Massachusetts, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

22 October 1995 at 18:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Barre, Massachusetts, United States

Nearest airport

Tanner-Hiller (8B5)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Schweizer SGS 2-33

Registration

N65852

Category

Glider

Operator

Bouchard Gliders

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC96LA016

1 person had minor injuries.

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

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.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.