FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Lands Glider in Trees After Determining Insufficient Altitude to Reach Airport (N3622X)

Elmira, NY, US

On July 9, 1995, a Schweizer S-2-33A (registration N3622X) was involved in an aviation accident near Elmira, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delayed decision to return to the departure airport, which resulted in insufficient gliding altitude, and the subsequent off airport landing in the trees. 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 flying a glider landed in trees after determining he could not reach the departure airport. The glider had been released at 2,500 ft and descended to 1,100 ft during the flight.

Flight Profile

The student pilot was towed aloft in a glider and released at 2,500 feet above ground level (AGL). During attempts to find thermals, the glider’s altitude varied between 1,700 and 2,200 feet AGL. When the altitude reached 1,500 feet AGL, the student decided to return to the departure airport.

Decision Making

While returning, the student believed he had acquired a thermal and circled. This maneuver resulted in additional altitude loss. The student then continued the return flight. At 1,100 feet AGL, the student determined that he would not be able to reach the airport and began searching for a suitable field for an off-airport landing.

Landing

The student elected to land the glider in trees. The pilot had accumulated 5 hours of solo time at the time of the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jul 1995 Schweizer S-2-33A accident near Elmira, NY?

A student pilot flying a glider landed in trees after determining he could not reach the departure airport. The glider had been released at 2,500 ft and descended to 1,100 ft during the flight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jul 1995 involved a Schweizer S-2-33A, registration N3622X, at Elmira, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's delayed decision to return to the departure airport, which resulted in insufficient gliding altitude, and the subsequent off airport landing in the trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04060. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.