HILLTOWN, PA, USA
N33938
SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A
THE STUDENT PILOT WAS RELEASED FROM TOW AT THREE THOUSAND FEET AGL. THE STUDENT WAS UNABLE TO FIND LIFT AND RETURNED TO THE GLIDERPORT. DURING A LOW FINAL APPROACH THE LEFT WING OF THE GLIDER STRUCK TREES. THE GLIDER ROTATED INTO THE TREES WHERE IT BECAME LODGED. THE PILOT REPORTED THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY 'BETTER LANDING PREPARATION. [AND BY] PLANNING A HIGHER PATTERN.'
On November 19, 1994, at 1330 eastern standard time, a Schweizer SGS 2-33A glider, N33938, registered to Philadelphia Glider Council Inc., of Perkasie, Pennsylvania, collided with trees while on final approach to land at the Philadelphia Gliderport near Hilltown, Pennsylvania. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot was not injured. The glider sustained substantial damage. The local flight which was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the owner of the glider, the flight was conducted for solo training. The student pilot was released from tow at three thousand feet above ground level. The student stated he was unable to find lift and returned to the gliderport. During a low final approach the wing of the glider struck trees. The glider rotated into the trees where it became lodged. The pilot was able to exit the glider and climb down the tree. The pilot reported the accident could have been avoided by "Better Landing Preparation. [and by] Planning a higher Pattern."
IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM TREES.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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