1993-04-17: Schweizer SGS 2-33A — Ridge Valley Soaring Club — Buchanan, VA

Casualties unknown • Buchanan, VA, US

Probable cause

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.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT WAS DEMONSTRATING A GLIDER TAKEOFF TO THE PASSENGER. THERE WAS CONFUSION ABOUT WHO WAS ACTUALLY ON THE CONTROLS FOR TAKEOFF, THE PILOT OR THE PASSENGER. THE WIND WAS A QUARTERING LEFT TAILWIND AT 13 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO 17 KNOTS. DURING THE GROUND RUN, THE RIGHT WING DRAGGED ON THE GROUND AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WAS LOST. THE PILOT IN COMMAND TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL, BUT THE WING STRUCK A PARKED VEHICLE AND A BUILDING.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-04-17 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Buchanan, VA?

THE PILOT WAS DEMONSTRATING A GLIDER TAKEOFF TO THE PASSENGER. THERE WAS CONFUSION ABOUT WHO WAS ACTUALLY ON THE CONTROLS FOR TAKEOFF, THE PILOT OR THE PASSENGER. THE WIND WAS A QUARTERING LEFT TAILWIND AT 13 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO 17 KNOTS. DURING THE GROUND RUN, THE RIGHT WING DRAGGED ON THE GROUND AND DIRECTIONAL…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-04-17 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.

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.

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