Sunday, June 09, 2019

Nose Over: Piper PA-18-150, N4714Y, accident occurred June 28, 2018 in Anchorage, Alaska

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

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

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

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N4714Y

Location: Anchorage, AK
Accident Number: GAA18CA385
Date & Time: 06/28/2018, 0715 AKD
Registration: N4714Y
Aircraft: Piper PA18
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis

The pilot of the tundra-tire, tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off airport on a gravel bar, he "got on the brakes a little too hard and the tail came up and the airplane flipped over."

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut.

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

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's overapplication of the brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose-over. 

Findings

Aircraft
Brake - Incorrect use/operation (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Use of equip/system - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Miscellaneous/other
Nose over/nose down (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 37, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 06/16/2015
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 07/10/2016
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 324 hours (Total, all aircraft), 221 hours (Total, this make and model), 263 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 27 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N4714Y
Model/Series: PA18 150 
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:1971 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18-8956
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/23/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1750 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 2162.68 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C126 installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: O-320 SERIES
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 160 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAUO, 205 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1556 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 44°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 8000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 4 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 60°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.83 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / 6°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Anchorage, AK (AK12)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Anchorage, AK
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 0630 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion:None 
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  61.500278, -150.567778 (est)

Hard Landing: Schweizer SGS 1-34, N134BC, accident occurred June 27, 2018 at Boulder Municipal Airport (KBDU), Colorado

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Denver, Colorado

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


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


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


http://registry.faa.gov/N134BC

Location: Boulder, CO

Accident Number: GAA18CA389
Date & Time: 06/27/2018, 1520 MDT
Registration: N134BC
Aircraft: Schweizer SGS 1 34
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Hard landing
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional

Analysis 

The solo student pilot reported that, during landing, about 10 ft above ground, the glider was "hit by a tail gust/downdraft," then it landed hard.

The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 8 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 170° at 10 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot landed the glider on runway 8G.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The student pilot's improper landing flare in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Student pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Gusts - Effect on operation
Crosswind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Other weather encounter
Hard landing (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Student Pilot Information

Certificate: Student
Age: 15, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 32.4 hours (Total, all aircraft), 6.5 hours (Total, this make and model)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Schweizer
Registration: N134BC
Model/Series: SGS 1 34 Undesignated
Aircraft Category: Glider
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 85
Landing Gear Type: Unknown
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 12/29/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 840 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 0
Airframe Total Time: 5015 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: 
Registered Owner:  Soaring Society Of Boulder Inc
Rated Power:
Operator: Soaring Society Of Boulder Inc
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBDU, 5289 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2112 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 131°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 14 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.96 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 1°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Boulder, CO (BDU)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Boulder, CO (BDU)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1505 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: BOULDER MUNI (BDU)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 5288 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 8G
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 4100 ft / 20 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  40.039167, -105.226389 (est)

Landing Area Undershoot: Taylorcraft F-19 Sportsman, N3570T, accident occurred June 25, 2018 in Goose Bay, Alaska

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Anchorage, Alaska

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


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


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N3570T

Location: Goose Bay, AK 
Accident Number: GAA18CA375
Date & Time: 06/25/2018, 0030 AKD
Registration: N3570T
Aircraft: Taylorcraft F19
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Landing area undershoot
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane reported that, during a flight at dusk with high, gray overcast clouds, he circled over a lake and began the approach to land. He added that his depth perception was off, he misjudged the approach, and the airplane struck a tree.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.

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

The automated weather observation station located about 6 miles northwest of the accident site reported that, about 23 minutes after the accident, the wind was calm, scattered clouds at 4,100 ft, and overcast clouds at 6,000 ft. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: 
The pilot's failure to maintain a proper approach path during landing in dusky, flat light conditions, which resulted in a tree strike. 

Findings

Aircraft
Descent/approach/glide path - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Perception - Pilot

Environmental issues
Flat light - Effect on personnel (Cause)
Tree(s) - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Approach
Miscellaneous/other

Landing
Landing area undershoot (Defining event)
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial
Age: 22, Male
Airplane Rating(s):  Multi-engine Land; Multi-engine Sea; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Without Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 04/30/2018
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 06/16/2018
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 2952 hours (Total, all aircraft), 75 hours (Total, this make and model), 900 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 275 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 87 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 5 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Taylorcraft
Registration: N3570T
Model/Series: F19 No Series
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture:1975 
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal; Utility
Serial Number: F-031
Landing Gear Type: Float;
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 05/18/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1550 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1102 Hours as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-200-A
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 100 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Dusk
Observation Facility, Elevation: PAAQ, 230 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 6 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0853 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 308°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 4100 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 6000 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.89 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 12°C / 8°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Anchorage, AK (LHD)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Anchorage, AK
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 2315 AKD
Type of Airspace: Class G 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 61.538056, -148.938056 (est)

Loss of Control on Ground: Boeing B75N1 Stearman, N52584, accident occurred June 25, 2018 at Davidson County Airport (KEXX), Lexington, North Carolina



The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.


Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Greensboro, North Carolina

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

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

 
Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


http://registry.faa.gov/N52584




Location: Lexington, NC
Accident Number: ERA18TA179
Date & Time: 06/25/2018, 1145 EDT
Registration: N52584
Aircraft: STEARMAN B75
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

During the second wheel landing of the flight and shortly after the tailwheel touched down on the runway, the airplane drifted right. The commercial pilot attempted to stop the drift by applying the wheel brakes. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over. The right wing, rudder, and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. During a postaccident interview, the pilot stated that he "got on [the] brakes a little harder than I should have."

Examination of the landing gear assembly and rudder control linkages did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Therefore, it is likely the pilot's overapplication of the brakes resulted in the nose-over.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's overapplication of the wheel brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.

Findings

Aircraft
Brake - Incorrect use/operation (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)
Use of equip/system - Pilot (Cause)

Factual Information 

On June 25, 2018, about 1145 eastern daylight time, a Stearman B75N1, N52584, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during landing at Davidson County Airport (EXX), Lexington, North Carolina. The airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger was not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a personal flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.

According to the pilot, during the second wheel landing of the flight, shortly after the tailwheel touched down on runway 24, the airplane drifted to the right. He attempted to stop the drift, and as the airplane approached the right edge of the runway, he applied the wheel brakes. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over on the runway. The right wing, rudder, and vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage. During a postaccident interview, the pilot stated he "got on [the] brakes a little harder than I should have" as the airplane drifted toward the grass.

According to a witness who was at the airport in the ramp area, he heard "a faint sound of screeching tires." As he looked up, he observed the airplane "pitch nose forward" and nose over on the runway.

During postaccident examinations by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, while the airplane was at the accident site inverted, the main landing gear wheels and tailwheels rotated freely when moved by hand. The tailwheel was found locked, which was consistent with its control lever in the cockpit. The tailwheel locking mechanism functioned normally when the lever was moved to the unlock and lock positions. The push-pull control linkages were examined from the rudder pedals to the tailwheel and rudder surface, and no anomalies were noted.

According to FAA airman records, the pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with a rating for airplane multi-engine land. He also held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, helicopter, and instrument helicopter. His most recent first-class medical certificate was issued in March 2018. He reported that he had accumulated 30,000 total flight hours, and 350 total flight hours in the accident make and model airplane.

According to FAA airworthiness records, the two-seat, single-engine, bi-wing, tailwheel airplane was manufactured in 1941. It was equipped with a Lycoming R-680-13 engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed in October 2017.

The weather conditions reported at 1155 at EXX, included calm wind, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 29°C, and dew point 21°C.

History of Flight

Landing-landing roll
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery
Nose over/nose down

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Commercial
Age: 69, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Rear
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Helicopter
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane; Helicopter
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/08/2018
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/01/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 30000 hours (Total, all aircraft), 350 hours (Total, this make and model), 25000 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 9 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: STEARMAN
Registration: N52584
Model/Series: B75 N1
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1941
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 75-6955
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 10/27/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3200 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3282 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Lycoming
ELT: C91A installed, activated, did not aid in locating accident
Engine Model/Series: R-680-13
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 300 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: EXX, 732 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1155 EDT
Direction from Accident Site: 0°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: Calm /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction:
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.11 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 29°C / 21°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Lexington, NC (EXX)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Lexington, NC (EXX)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1110 EDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: DAVIDSON COUNTY (EXX)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 732 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 24
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 5004 ft / 100 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Minor
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Minor, 1 None
Latitude, Longitude:  35.784444, -80.298889 (est)

Loss of Lift: Jonker Sailplanes JS1-C, N963CG, accident occurred June 24, 2018 near Panguitch Municipal Airport (U55), Garfield County, Utah

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Salt Lake City, Utah

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

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

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

http://registry.faa.gov/N963CG

Location: Panguitch, UT
Accident Number: GAA18CA377
Date & Time: 06/24/2018, 1532 MDT
Registration: N963CG
Aircraft: JONKER SAILPLANES (PTY) LTD JS1-C
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of lift
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Air Race/Show

Analysis 

The powered-glider pilot reported that, during the return flight to the airport after an informal glider competition, about 10,000 to 11,000 ft over mountainous terrain, he was unable to find lift, the glider descended to 9,000 ft, and he started the sustainer engine. He added that, after the glider climbed back to the initial altitude, he shut the sustainer engine off, stowed it, and continued to the destination airport.

He reported that, about 4 miles from the airport, the glider began to sink about 1,000 ft per minute. He attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful in the limited time available. He chose a field for an off-airport landing, the glider touched down, but the ground was slightly uneven, which resulted in the right wing dragging. The glider veered 20° to the right before coming to rest.

The glider sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and elevator.

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

An automated weather observation station at an elevation of 7,950 ft, located about 14 miles east-southeast of the accident location, reported wind from 270° at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots; temperature 79°F; and dew point 9F. The calculated density altitude was 10,300 ft.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's inability to maintain altitude and his delayed decision to deploy the powered-glider's engine, which necessitated an off-airport landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Altitude - Attain/maintain not possible (Cause)

Environmental issues
Thermal lifting - Effect on operation (Cause)
Sloped/uneven terrain - Effect on operation (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute
Loss of lift (Defining event)
Attempted remediation/recovery

Landing
Off-field or emergency landing

Landing-flare/touchdown
Dragged wing/rotor/float/other
Loss of control on ground

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 55, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam: 03/23/1994
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 03/17/2017
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 1276 hours (Total, all aircraft), 387 hours (Total, this make and model), 1242 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 54 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 30 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: JONKER SAILPLANES (PTY) LTD
Registration: N963CG
Model/Series: JS1-C NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Glider
Year of Manufacture: 2014
Amateur Built:No 
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 1C-074
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tailwheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/04/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1323 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Turbo Jet
Airframe Total Time: 388.6 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: M&D Flugzeugbav
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series: TJ-42
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 78 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KBCE, 7589 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 14 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2053 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 126°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility (RVR): 
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots / 15 knots
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 270°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.22 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 26°C / -13°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Parowan, UT (1L9)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Parowan, UT (1L9)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1240 MDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: PANGUITCH MUNI (U55)
Runway Surface Type: Dirt; Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 6762 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry; Rough; Vegetation
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Forced Landing; Full Stop; Valley/Terrain Following

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 37.845278, -112.392222 (est)

PZL Swidnik PW-5, N123PW: Accident occurred June 23, 2018 near Soaring Club of Houston Gliderport (89TA), Waller, Texas

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Houston, Texas

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


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


Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf


https://registry.faa.gov/N123PW


Location: Waller, TX
Accident Number: GAA18CA382
Date & Time: 06/23/2018, 1345 CDT
Registration: N123PW
Aircraft: PZL-SWIDNIK PW 5
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event:
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

Analysis 

According to the glider pilot, about 15 minutes into the flight, the glider had reached 2,000 ft above ground level (agl), but he was unable to find more lift. The glider was about 1.5 miles west of the airfield, and he decided to continue west in search of lift under a cloud formation. He did not find lift and returned to his previous position 1.5 miles west of the airfield at 1,200 ft agl. The pilot decided to land off the airfield.

The pilot entered the pattern using the glider's spoilers and turned from the downwind leg to the base leg at 700 ft agl. He reported that he allowed the glider's flightpath to take him .5 mile too far downwind. During the base leg of the pattern, he reported that he had to "crab the airplane into the wind" to avoid being pushed further downwind. On final, the glider descended rapidly and collided with trees.

The glider sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.

The pilot reported that the wind at the time of the accident was from 190° at 15 knots. He attempted to land on a heading of 170°.

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

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The glider pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during landing. 

Findings

Aircraft
Descent/approach/glide path - Not attained/maintained (Cause)
Altitude - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tree(s) - Effect on operation (Cause)
Wind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute
Loss of lift

Approach
Other weather encounter

Landing
Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 59, Male
Airplane Rating(s): None
Seat Occupied: Single
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Glider
Restraint Used: 4-point
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present:No 
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: None
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 01/18/2018
Flight Time:   (Estimated) 210 hours (Total, all aircraft), 151 hours (Total, this make and model), 168 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 12 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 8 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: PZL-SWIDNIK
Registration: N123PW
Model/Series: PW 5 NO SERIES
Aircraft Category: Glider
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Experimental
Serial Number: 1705024
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Ski/wheel
Seats: 1
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 07/05/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 661 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines:  0
Airframe Total Time: 299 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT: Not installed
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power:
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: K11R, 308 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 21 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 1855 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 274°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 5000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 8 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 170°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 29.86 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 34°C / 23°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Waller, TX (89TA)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Waller, TX (89TA)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time: 1325 CDT
Type of Airspace: Class G

Airport Information

Airport: Soaring Club Of Houston (89TA)
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 308 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: N/A
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width:
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop; Traffic Pattern

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 30.192778, -95.963333 (est)