Probable cause
The glider pilot's misjudged distance/altitude while soaring.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that after his Schleicher ASK-21 glider was towed aloft to 2,000 feet and released, he flew too far from the airport traffic pattern. He said that during the return to the airport, he encountered a "sink and waterfall" effect, which caused a low approach, resulting in his inability to make it to the airport. Subsequently, there was a collision with terrain 100 feet short of the runway. The pilot added that there were no deficiencies with the performance and handling of the glider.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08CA136 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 7, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Elmira, New York
- Nearest airport
- Harris Hill (4NY8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schleicher ASK-21
- N-number
- N363KS
- Category
- Glider
- 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.