Schweizer SGS 1-35 N91MC

Summary

On 28 May 2006 at about 20:48 local time, a Schweizer SGS 1-35 registered N91MC was involved in an accident near Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

28 May 2006 at 20:48

Classification

Accident

Location

Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, United States

Nearest airport

Bandel Airport (22D)

Coordinates

40.1306, -80.0961

Aircraft

Schweizer SGS 1-35

Registration

N91MC

Category

Glider

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Eighty Four → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC06LA127

1 person died.

The pilot's incapacitation, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control during approach, and subsequent collision with trees.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During a left turn from base leg to final leg, the left wing and nose of the glider dropped below the horizon. The glider then descended rapidly into trees from approximately 800 feet agl. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. At the time of the accident, the pilot was 72 years of age, and had accumulated approximately 1,100 hours of glider experience; of which, about 7 hours were accumulated during the 30 days preceding the accident. The pilot had a mechanical mitral valve replacement nearly 5 years prior to the accident, disqualifying him from holding an FAA medical certificate. However, the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division, after review, authorized a special issuance third-class medical certificate. The mechanical replacement valve significantly increased the pilot's cumulative risk of a stroke, which would likely not be detectable on autopsy if it occurred just prior to impact.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.