Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate glide path to the runway.
NTSB analysis
During an instructional flight in a glider, the student was high on the final approach, deployed the spoilers and entered a forward slip. The flight instructor stated that shortly after, the student “suddenly and unexpectedly” pulled back on the control stick while the rudder and ailerons were cross controlled. The flight instructor immediately took control, pushed the control stick forward and closed the spoilers; however, insufficient altitude remained for a full recovery, which resulted in a hard landing and serious injuries to the instructor. The flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA248 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 13, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nellysford, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Rockfish (VG22)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS 2-33A
- N-number
- N33929
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1975
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.