On May 5, 1985, a Schweizer SGS 2-32 (registration N2477W) was involved in an aviation accident near Colorado Spring, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A glider collided with a parked aircraft after experiencing a loss of directional control during the landing roll. The pilot reported that the left wing dipped due to a crosswind, causing the wing tip wheel to dig into soft sand and snag a tow rope, pulling the glider left.
Accident Details
A glider collided with a parked aircraft following a loss of directional control during the landing roll. The pilot reported that the left wing dipped during the landing roll because of a crosswind. The left wing tip wheel dug into an area of soft sand beside the runway, and the wheel snagged a tow rope that was lying along the edge of the runway. The glider was pulled approximately 30 degrees to the left and subsequently impacted the parked aircraft.
Contributing Factors
The glider's wingspan was wider than the width of the runway. The presence of the tow rope along the runway edge and the soft sand beside the runway contributed to the sequence of events. The crosswind conditions were reported by the pilot as the reason for the left wing dipping.
Damage
The glider sustained damage from the collision with the parked aircraft. Specific details of the damage to either aircraft were not provided in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 May 1985 Schweizer SGS 2-32 accident near Colorado Spring, CO?
A glider collided with a parked aircraft after experiencing a loss of directional control during the landing roll. The pilot reported that the left wing dipped due to a crosswind, causing the wing tip wheel to dig into soft sand and snag a tow rope, pulling the glider left.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 May 1985 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-32, registration N2477W, at Colorado Spring, CO.
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