Casualties unknown

Glider Incident During Landing: Excessive Lift Followed by High Sink Rate (N2979H)

Kurtztown, PA, US

On May 19, 1986, a Schweizer SGS-2-32A (registration N2979H) was involved in an aviation accident near Kurtztown, PA. 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 experienced excessive lift after passing the runway end, leading to a hard landing that broke the skid and caused a flat tire. Despite using spoilers and brakes, the sink rate increased, resulting in ground contact.

Incident Details

A glider, with a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student on board, was returning to the airport after approximately 45 minutes of flying in thermals. The instructor reported that they approached the initial approach point at about 1,000 feet for a landing on Runway 30. The glider passed over the end of the runway at an altitude of approximately 150 feet above ground level (AGL) and a speed of around 50 miles per hour.

Sequence of Events

After crossing the runway end, the glider encountered excessive lift. The pilot deployed spoilers and brakes to reduce lift, but these measures proved ineffective. As the glider continued its landing descent, a large sink rate developed. The aircraft subsequently contacted the ground, resulting in a hard landing.

Damage

The impact broke the glider's skid and caused a flat tire. No other damage was reported in the source. The source does not mention any injuries to the occupants or any further damage to the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 May 1986 Schweizer SGS-2-32A accident near Kurtztown, PA?

A glider experienced excessive lift after passing the runway end, leading to a hard landing that broke the skid and caused a flat tire. Despite using spoilers and brakes, the sink rate increased, resulting in ground contact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 May 1986 involved a Schweizer SGS-2-32A, registration N2979H, at Kurtztown, PA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33695. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.