Schweizer FGS-233 N5762S

Summary

On 12 October 1997 at about 18:12 local time, a Schweizer FGS-233 registered N5762S was involved in an accident near Ionia, Michigan, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 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

12 October 1997 at 18:12

Classification

Accident

Location

Ionia, Michigan, United States

Nearest airport

Ionia County (Y70)

Coordinates

42.9802, -85.0508

Aircraft

Schweizer FGS-233

Registration

N5762S

Category

Glider

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI98LA013

2 people had minor injuries.

the pilot misjudged the landing approach which resulted in his failure to attain a proper touchdown point. A factor was the trees.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the glider developed an 'unusual' sink rate while on downwind to runway 18. He elected not to fly a base leg, but instead he turned directly toward the runway. He reported the sink rate increased and he was unable to clear trees in his flight path. The glider contacted trees and came to rest about 1,000 feet prior to the approach end of the runway.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.