Schweizer SGS 2-33AK N65809

Summary

On 19 June 1996 at about 18:50 local time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33AK registered N65809 was involved in an accident near Mattoon, Illinois, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 June 1996 at 18:50

Classification

Accident

Location

Mattoon, Illinois, United States

Nearest airport

Coles County (MTO)

Coordinates

39.4707, -88.3592

Aircraft

Schweizer SGS 2-33AK

Registration

N65809

Category

Glider

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Public Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI96TA260

Nobody was injured.

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the glider. Factors were the runway sign and the failure of the pilot to maintain a visual lookout.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to statements provided by Civil Air Patrol personnel, the glider was being towed by a Cessna 172 at the wing flight encampment. As the glider and tow airplane accelerated down the runway, the glider 'drifted left of centerline. The left wing was down and [the wing] collided with a plastic runway apron sign.' The glider released from the tow airplane, departed the runway, and came to rest in a grassy area. The two pilots egressed uneventfully. The tow airplane aborted the takeoff uneventfully. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing. No evidence of flight control malfunction or mechanical anomaly was reported.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.