Casualties unknown

Glider Crashes After Tow Plane Initiates Takeoff During Aborted Flight (N2637H)

Kutztown, PA, US

On January 8, 1990, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A (registration N2637H) operated by Kutztown Aviation Service,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kutztown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER DECISION OF THE GLIDER PILOT TO EXIT THE GLIDER WITHOUT POSITIVE ASSURANCE THAT THE TOW PILOT HAD RECEIVED HIS SIGNAL OR THAT THE GLIDER WAS RELEASED FROM THE TOW PLANE. 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 pilot aborted takeoff due to a rudder imbalance and exited the cockpit; the tow pilot then began takeoff with the passenger still aboard, released the glider, and it crashed in a trailer park.

Accident Sequence

The pilot of the glider performed a pre-takeoff inspection, boarded a passenger, and secured them with a seatbelt. The glider was then attached to the tow plane. The pilot entered the glider and signaled readiness for takeoff. However, during the pre-takeoff checks, he noticed an imbalance in the travel of the left rudder. He opened the cockpit and signaled to abort the flight. After waiting briefly to ensure the tow pilot had acknowledged the signal, and observing no action from the tow pilot, the glider pilot exited the cockpit to visually inspect the rudder area.

While the glider pilot was outside the cockpit and the passenger remained in the rear seat, the tow pilot initiated a takeoff. Subsequently, the tow pilot released the glider. The glider then crashed in a trailer park.

Aftermath

The glider sustained damage in the crash. No further details were provided in the source regarding injuries or the extent of damage. The investigation did not specify a probable cause for the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jan 1990 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Kutztown, PA?

A glider pilot aborted takeoff due to a rudder imbalance and exited the cockpit; the tow pilot then began takeoff with the passenger still aboard, released the glider, and it crashed in a trailer park.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jan 1990 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N2637H, operated by Kutztown Aviation Service,inc., at Kutztown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER DECISION OF THE GLIDER PILOT TO EXIT THE GLIDER WITHOUT POSITIVE ASSURANCE THAT THE TOW PILOT HAD RECEIVED HIS SIGNAL OR THAT THE GLIDER WAS RELEASED FROM THE TOW PLANE. A RELATED FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE LACK OF CREW COORDINATION BETWEEN THE PILOTS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22484. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.