FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Glider Pilot Executes Off-Airport Landing After Tow Line Break (N2048T)

Morgan, UT, US

On April 4, 1990, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A (registration N2048T) was involved in an aviation accident near Morgan, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: SEPARATION OF THE TOW ROPE AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE DESCENT RATE AS HE RETURNED TO LAND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE TAILWIND AND THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING BEYOND THE RUNWAY END. 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 private glider pilot with solo endorsement experienced a tow line break at 650 feet AGL during initial climb. After overshooting a downwind landing, the pilot aimed for rough terrain, struck a tree and embankment during flare, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A private pilot, holding a solo endorsement for gliders, reported a tow line break at 650 feet above ground level (AGL) during the initial climb phase. The pilot decided to return to the airport for a downwind landing but overshot the runway. Subsequently, he planned an approach to rough terrain located off the airport.

Sequence of Events

During the touchdown flare, the glider's right wing struck a tree. The impact caused the aircraft to slew to the right, where it then struck a dirt embankment. After coming to rest, the tail section was positioned on a fence.

Damage Assessment

The aircraft sustained significant damage: the right wing was broken approximately seven feet from the tip, the nose cone was crushed, and the elevators and fuselage were bent.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Apr 1990 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Morgan, UT?

A private glider pilot with solo endorsement experienced a tow line break at 650 feet AGL during initial climb. After overshooting a downwind landing, the pilot aimed for rough terrain, struck a tree and embankment during flare, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Apr 1990 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Apr 1990 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N2048T, at Morgan, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

SEPARATION OF THE TOW ROPE AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE DESCENT RATE AS HE RETURNED TO LAND. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE TAILWIND AND THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING BEYOND THE RUNWAY END.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22898. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.