Friday, June 16, 2017

Sportine Aviacija LAK-12, N4206N: Accident occurred June 14, 2017 at Air Sailing Gliderport   (NV23), Sparks, Washoe County, Nevada

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

NTSB Identification: GAA17CA340
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in Reno, NV
Probable Cause Approval Date: 08/03/2017
Aircraft: SPORTINE AVIACIJA LAK 12, registration: N4206N
Injuries: 1 Minor.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The glider pilot reported that, during an aerotow takeoff and after becoming distracted by something in the cockpit, he looked back outside and noticed that he was about 100 ft higher than the tow airplane. He added that he attempted to correct, “but the tow hook released on its own.” The pilot turned the glider to the left, the left wing impacted the ground, and the glider came to rest in some brush.

The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Glider Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-13A, “Normal Assisted Takeoff” section, stated, in part:

One of the most dangerous occurrences during aerotow is allowing the glider to fly high above and losing sight of the towplane. The tension on the towline caused by the glider pulls the towplane tail up, lowering its nose. If the glider continues to rise, pulling the towplane tail higher, the tow pilot may not be able to raise the nose. Ultimately, the tow pilot may run out of up elevator authority.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The glider pilot’s failure to maintain proper pitch during an aerotow takeoff. 

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Reno, Nevada

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

http://registry.faa.gov/N4206N


NTSB Identification: GAA17CA340
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in Reno, NV
Aircraft: SPORTINE AVIACIJA LAK 12, registration: N4206N
Injuries: 1 Minor.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The glider pilot reported that during an aerotow takeoff, after becoming distracted by something in the cockpit, he looked back outside and noticed he was about 100 ft. higher than the tow airplane. He added that he attempted to correct, "but the tow hook released on its own". The pilot turned to the left, the left wing impacted the ground, the glider came to rest in some brush.

The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration's Glider Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-13A, "Normal Assisted Takeoff" section, stated in part:


One of the most dangerous occurrences during aerotow is allowing the glider to fly high above and losing sight of the towplane. The tension on the towline caused by the glider pulls the towplane tail up, lowering its nose. If the glider continues to rise, pulling the towplane tail higher, the tow pilot may not be able to raise the nose. Ultimately, the tow pilot may run out of up elevator authority.

No comments:

Post a Comment