Schweizer SGS 2-33A N17867

Summary

On 3 September 2022 at about 20:23 local time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A registered N17867, operated by Aero Club Albatross, was involved in an accident near Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania, United States. 2 people were on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

3 September 2022 at 20:23

Classification

Accident

Location

Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania, United States

Coordinates

40.9410, -75.1385

Aircraft

Schweizer SGS 2-33A

Registration

N17867

Category

Glider

Year built

1973

Operator

Aero Club Albatross

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Blairstown → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA22LA407

1 person had minor injuries.

The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions, where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight resulting in an off-airport landing and collision with powerlines.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The glider took off under aerotow about for a flight in the local soaring area. After flying about 45 minutes the pilot decided to reposition to a different ridge but during his transition, he encountered a loss of lift and started to lose altitude. Unable to gain sufficient lift, he was forced to make an off-airport landing. During his approach, he noticed another glider in the field and there were midfield powerlines. The pilot passed over the glider on the ground but impacted the powerlines. The impact with the powerlines and subsequent collision with terrain resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no pre accident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.