Casualties unknown

Glider Collides with Fence and Tree During Off-Airport Landing Attempt (N2524H)

Manchester, MI, US

On July 5, 1992, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A (registration N2524H) operated by Kittyhawk Soaring Club, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Manchester, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISIONS, FAILURE TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WHEN HE REALIZED HE WAS TOO LOW TO REACH THE AIRPORT, AND ATTEMPTING TO STRETCH HIS GLIDEPATH TO REACH THE RUNWAY. 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, realizing he was too low for a normal approach, attempted to land on the opposite runway and stretched his glide path, resulting in a collision with the airport boundary fence and a tree.

Accident Overview

A glider pilot was approaching his home airport from the north when he realized he was too low to execute a normal approach to runway 36. He chose instead to land straight in on runway 18, which required him to stretch his glide path to reach the runway. During this attempt, the glider collided with the airport boundary fence and a tree located on the edge of the property. After the collision, the aircraft came to rest on the airport grounds facing north.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot neared the airport, he assessed his altitude and determined that a standard landing on runway 36 was not possible. He decided to change his plan and aim for runway 18, which would involve landing in the opposite direction. To reach runway 18, he attempted to extend his glide path by preserving energy, but this maneuver was not successful. The glider struck the fence and a tree before coming to a stop on the airport property.

Aircraft and Damage

The glider sustained damage from its impact with the fence and tree. The exact extent of damage is not specified in the source, but the aircraft came to rest on the airport facing north. No other details about the aircraft's condition or any injuries are provided.

Aftermath

The glider remained at the airport after the accident. The source does not mention any injuries to the pilot or other persons, nor does it discuss any subsequent investigation or actions taken.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 1992 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Manchester, MI?

A glider pilot, realizing he was too low for a normal approach, attempted to land on the opposite runway and stretched his glide path, resulting in a collision with the airport boundary fence and a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 1992 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N2524H, operated by Kittyhawk Soaring Club, Inc., at Manchester, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING/DECISIONS, FAILURE TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WHEN HE REALIZED HE WAS TOO LOW TO REACH THE AIRPORT, AND ATTEMPTING TO STRETCH HIS GLIDEPATH TO REACH THE RUNWAY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15109. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.