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Ground Tow Flight Check Results in Hard Landing After Aborted Launch (N7773S)

Odessa, TX, US

On May 3, 1996, a Schweizer SGS-233A (registration N7773S) was involved in an aviation accident near Odessa, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to obtain the required airspeed resulting in a hard landing. A factor was the lack of thermal lift. 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

During a flight check to remove an aero tow limitation, a glider aborted its sixth ground tow launch and landed hard after encountering sinking air.

Incident Overview

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector serving as pilot-in-command (PIC) was undergoing a flight check to remove the commercial pilot 'aero tow only' limitation. The check involved completing several ground tow launches. After five successful launches, the FAA inspector administering the flight check held a discussion with the applicant to review emergency procedures.

Flight Check Details

During the sixth ground tow launch, the glider accelerated to 45 knots. The pitch attitude reached 45 degrees at an altitude of approximately 160 feet above ground. At that point, the administering FAA inspector released the tow line to abort the launch. The PIC receiving the flight check pushed the glider's nose forward, but the airspeed did not increase to the 50 knots required for a landing flare.

Abort and Landing

The glider subsequently landed hard, bounced, and then touched down on the runway. Both pilots reported that the glider encountered 'a pocket of sinking air' during the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 May 1996 Schweizer SGS-233A accident near Odessa, TX?

During a flight check to remove an aero tow limitation, a glider aborted its sixth ground tow launch and landed hard after encountering sinking air.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 May 1996 Schweizer SGS-233A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 May 1996 involved a Schweizer SGS-233A, registration N7773S, at Odessa, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to obtain the required airspeed resulting in a hard landing. A factor was the lack of thermal lift.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05754. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.