Glider excursion into trees during landing approach

Casualties unknown • Franklinton, NC, US

A glider drifted off the runway centerline and struck trees during a landing approach while a student pilot was operating the controls.

What happened

During a landing approach, a student pilot was operating the flight controls of a glider. During the maneuver, the aircraft began to drift to the right of the runway centerline. As the deviation from the centerline increased, the instructor pilot took control of the aircraft.

The instructor attempted to correct the deviation using full deflection of the flight controls; however, the aircraft continued to drift rightward. The right wing tip of the glider subsequently struck trees located approximately 25 feet from the edge of the runway. Following the impact, the aircraft spun and came to rest in the trees at an altitude of approximately ten feet above the ground. There were no injuries reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-30 Schweizer SGS233A accident near Franklinton, NC?

A glider drifted off the runway centerline and struck trees during a landing approach while a student pilot was operating the controls.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-30 involved a Schweizer SGS233A, registration N1197S, operated by John Wiliam Styer, at Franklinton, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the instructor pilot to maintain control of the aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05701. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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