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Casualties unknown

Student Glider Pilot Collides with Trees After Losing Lift During Mountain Soaring (N1178S)

Morrisville, VT, US

On November 7, 1993, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A (registration N1178S) operated by Peter H Smyth was involved in an aviation accident near Morrisville, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN SOARING WHICH RESULTED IN INADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO CLEAR THE RIDGE AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE HIGH TERRAIN. 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 student pilot reported that while soaring over mountains, his glider lost lift on the last traverse, preventing him from clearing high terrain, resulting in a collision with trees. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Accident Overview

A student pilot was soaring over mountainous terrain in a glider. According to the pilot's account, the glider was gaining and losing approximately 200 feet of altitude as it soared along a ridge from north to south. On the final traverse, the glider experienced a loss of lift, and the pilot was unable to clear the high terrain, leading to a collision with trees.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the glider. He further commented that the accident could have been prevented if he had possessed more experience in mountain soaring.

Examination

No additional details regarding the aircraft, its registration, or the specific location of the accident were provided. The pilot's report was the primary source of information for this incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Nov 1993 Schweizer SGS 2-33A accident near Morrisville, VT?

A student pilot reported that while soaring over mountains, his glider lost lift on the last traverse, preventing him from clearing high terrain, resulting in a collision with trees. No mechanical malfunction was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Nov 1993 involved a Schweizer SGS 2-33A, registration N1178S, operated by Peter H Smyth, at Morrisville, VT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN SOARING WHICH RESULTED IN INADEQUATE ALTITUDE TO CLEAR THE RIDGE AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE HIGH TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13698. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.