CLERMONT, FL, USA
N233HH
Schweizer SGS-2-33A
The pilot elected to be towed aloft, as a cold front was approaching. While on final approach to land, the glider encountered a wind gust, which resulted in an uncommanded left bank and a 120-degree change in direction. The pilot recovered, then landed the glider in trees short of the runway. The gliderport owner stated that he was just about to cancel flight operations when the accident occurred.
On January 25, 1997, about 1302 eastern standard time, a Schweizer SGS2-33A glider, N233HH, registered to Seminole Flying & Soaring, Inc., collided with trees while on final approach to land at the Seminole Lake Gliderport, Clermont, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The glider was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was towed aloft about 1236 from the Seminole Lake Gliderport. The pilot stated that there was a cold front approaching from the northwest about 3-4 miles away. While on final approach the glider entered an uncommanded left bank resulting in a 120-degree change in direction. He recovered then landed in trees short of the runway. According to the owner of the gliderport, he was just about to cancel flight operations about the time of the accident.
the pilot's improper planning/decision by electing to be towed aloft with a cold front nearby, which resulted in an in-flight encounter with wind gusts from the nearby cold front and subsequent in-flight collision with trees.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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