Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

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2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
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Boulder, Colorado

September 9, 2008 · NTSB DEN08CA157 · SCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A (N17939)
Minor/None
Note: This analysis may be based on NTSB preliminary reports, which represent an initial, incomplete investigation. Facts can change as the investigation progresses, and preliminary findings should not be assumed to be accurate or final. For older events, a final NTSB report may have been issued — always consult the NTSB Aviation Query for the authoritative record.

NTSB Narrative

According to the pilot, he was conducting his fourth solo flight and during the aero tow he "ballooned" and drifted to the right. The pilot repositioned the glider, slack developed in the tow rope, and the rope disconnected from the glider approximately 10 feet above the ground. The pilot did not use the dive brake to descend and landed long, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the glider systems, conducted by the FAA, revealed no anomalies. The pilot's failure to use the dive brake during landing resulting in a long landing and collision.

Case Study & Lessons Learned

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NTSB Findings

  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent rate-Not attained/maintained - C
  • Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Student pilot - C
  • Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-(general)-Contributed to outcome

Details

NTSB ReportDEN08CA157
AircraftSCHWEIZER SGS 2-33A
RegistrationN17939
DamageSUBS
FAR Part091
Location40.0392, -105.2256
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