No fatalities

Glider Strikes Fence During Landing After Encountering Heavy Sink (N65859)

Freeport, PA, US

On June 5, 1983, a Schweizer 2-33 (registration N65859) operated by Glennon C. Kidd was involved in an aviation accident near Freeport, PA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A glider collided with fence posts during landing after experiencing loss of lift shortly after release from tow at 2500 ft AGL. The pilot initiated a long straight-in final approach late, resulting in insufficient altitude to clear a fence. The pilot was not injured.

Incident Overview

A glider collided with a fence during landing after encountering heavy sink and altitude loss. The sequence began shortly after the glider was released from tow at an altitude of 2500 feet above ground level (AGL).

Sequence of Events

After release, the glider experienced a loss of lift. Heavy sink and continued altitude loss were encountered. The pilot began a long straight-in final approach to land, but the approach was started later than optimal. As a result, the glider had insufficient altitude remaining to clear a fence located at the approach end of the runway. The glider's wings struck the fence posts during the landing attempt.

Outcome

The pilot was not injured in the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1983 Schweizer 2-33 accident near Freeport, PA?

A glider collided with fence posts during landing after experiencing loss of lift shortly after release from tow at 2500 ft AGL. The pilot initiated a long straight-in final approach late, resulting in insufficient altitude to clear a fence. The pilot was not injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jun 1983 Schweizer 2-33 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1983 involved a Schweizer 2-33, registration N65859, operated by Glennon C. Kidd, at Freeport, PA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43514. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.