Schleicher ASK-21
Elmira, NY — July 7, 2008
Event Information
| Date | July 7, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | MIA08CA136 |
| Event ID | 20080905X01401 |
| Location | Elmira, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.12083, -76.90083 |
| Airport | HARRIS HILL |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Schleicher |
| Model | ASK-21 |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The glider pilot's misjudged distance/altitude while soaring.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that after his Schleicher ASK-21 glider was towed aloft to 2,000 feet and released, he flew too far from the airport traffic pattern. He said that during the return to the airport, he encountered a "sink and waterfall" effect, which caused a low approach, resulting in his inability to make it to the airport. Subsequently, there was a collision with terrain 100 feet short of the runway. The pilot added that there were no deficiencies with the performance and handling of the glider.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.