Probable cause
The pilot’s incapacitation by an aortic dissection (natural disease).
NTSB analysis
The pilot was found deceased in the undamaged glider following a landing to a field near the airport. Postaccident examination revealed an improperly secured aileron connection; however, despite being partially unseated, the ailerons clevis pin remained seated adequately to facilitate operation of the aileron. No other anomalies were detected with the airframe that would have precluded normal operation. Autopsy revealed that the pilot’s cause of death was aortic dissection associated with hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with blunt force injury contributing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22FA224 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 5, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Midlothian, Texas
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS135
- N-number
- N2817H
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1977
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.