Probable cause
The glider’s encounter with atmospheric conditions, where the lift was not sufficient to maintain flight resulting in an off-airport landing and collision with powerlines.
NTSB analysis
The glider took off under aerotow about for a flight in the local soaring area. After flying about 45 minutes the pilot decided to reposition to a different ridge but during his transition, he encountered a loss of lift and started to lose altitude. Unable to gain sufficient lift, he was forced to make an off-airport landing. During his approach, he noticed another glider in the field and there were midfield powerlines. The pilot passed over the glider on the ground but impacted the powerlines. The impact with the powerlines and subsequent collision with terrain resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no pre accident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA407 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 3, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer SGS 2-33A
- N-number
- N17867
- Category
- Glider
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.