FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Glider Instructor Releases Tow Line at Low Altitude After Perceived Tow Plane Issue (N65901)

Mattoon, IL, US

On July 28, 1986, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A (registration N65901) was involved in an aviation accident near Mattoon, IL. 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 instructor released the tow line at about 5 feet altitude, believing the tow plane had acceleration problems. The glider performed a nose-down pancake landing. It was later discovered that the speed brakes and spoilers were fully deployed throughout.

Background

A glider was being towed for takeoff behind a tow plane. According to the glider instructor, the initial acceleration appeared normal.

Sequence of Events

As the tow plane and glider neared the end of the runway, the instructor believed the tow plane was experiencing a problem accelerating to takeoff speed. He released the tow line at an altitude of approximately 5 feet. After releasing, he turned the glider toward an area for landing.

Landing

The glider touched down in what the instructor described as a 'nose down pancake landing.'

Subsequent Discovery

Later, the instructor learned that the speed brakes and spoilers had been fully deployed during the entire takeoff run and subsequent short flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 1986 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Mattoon, IL?

A glider instructor released the tow line at about 5 feet altitude, believing the tow plane had acceleration problems. The glider performed a nose-down pancake landing. It was later discovered that the speed brakes and spoilers were fully deployed throughout.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jul 1986 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 1986 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N65901, at Mattoon, IL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34132. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.