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)
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)
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)
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)
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
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)
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)