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Casualties unknown

Glider Takeoff Demonstration Results in Ground Collision (N33929)

Buchanan, VA, US

On April 17, 1993, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A (registration N33929) operated by Ridge Valley Soaring Club was involved in an aviation accident near Buchanan, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION, INADEQUATE CREW COORDINATION, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE UNFAVORABLE WIND AND PROXIMITY OF OBSTRUCTIONS WERE RELATED FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a glider takeoff demonstration, confusion over who was controlling the aircraft led to a loss of directional control and a collision with a parked vehicle and a building.

Incident Overview

A pilot was demonstrating a glider takeoff to a passenger when confusion arose regarding who was actually on the controls for the takeoff — the pilot or the passenger. The wind conditions at the time were reported as a quartering left tailwind at 13 knots with gusts to 17 knots.

Sequence of Events

During the ground run, the right wing of the glider dragged on the ground, resulting in a loss of directional control. The pilot in command attempted to regain control, but the wing subsequently struck a parked vehicle and a building.

Contributing Factors

No contributing factors are specified in the source beyond the confusion over control and the wind conditions.

Investigation Status

No further details from the investigation are available in the source.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1993 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Buchanan, VA?

During a glider takeoff demonstration, confusion over who was controlling the aircraft led to a loss of directional control and a collision with a parked vehicle and a building.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Apr 1993 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N33929, operated by Ridge Valley Soaring Club, at Buchanan, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION, INADEQUATE CREW COORDINATION, AND FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. THE UNFAVORABLE WIND AND PROXIMITY OF OBSTRUCTIONS WERE RELATED FACTORS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12227. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.