Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

May 27, 1995 · Rolladen-Schneider LS-6 · N64UW

Montague, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 27, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Montague, CA
Aircraft
Rolladen-Schneider LS-6
Tail Number
N64UW
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX95LA196

Ground witnesses observed the accident sequence and reported that the glider was being towed aloft by a tow plane. The witnesses said the tow plane lifted off normally; however, the glider did not seem to lift off in a normal manner. As the glider achieved about 50 feet AGL, the pilot released the tow line. The glider then banked slightly to the left, then rolled to the right. The right roll continued until the glider was at a very steep bank angle and entered a spiral, which continued to ground impact. According to the witnesses, no one saw the pilot perform a control continuity check after assembly of the glider prior to takeoff. A FAA airworthiness inspector responded to the accident site and examined the glider. He reported that the glider is equipped with quick disconnect fittings on the control system push/pull tubes in the wing center section. The fittings allow the control system to be disconnected and reconnected as the wings are removed or installed. The right aileron/flaperon fitting was found disconnected.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to properly connect the aileron/flaperon quick disconnect fitting during assembly of the glider, and his inadequate preflight inspection.

Full Narrative

On May 27, 1995, at 1230 Pacific daylight time, a Rolladen- Schneider LS-6 glider, N64UW, collided with the ground following a loss of control during the takeoff initial climb at the Montague-Yreka Rohrer Field, Montague, California. The glider was owned and operated by the pilot and was beginning a local area personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and included calm wind conditions. No flight plan was filed. The glider sustained substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, incurred serious injuries. Ground witnesses observed the accident sequence and reported that the glider was being towed aloft by a tow plane. The witnesses said the tow plane lifted off normally; however, the glider did not seem to lift off in a normal manner. As the glider achieved about 50 feet agl, the pilot released the tow line. The glider then banked slightly to the left, then rolled to the right. The right roll continued until the glider was at a very steep bank angle and entered a spiral, which continued to ground impact. According to the witnesses, no one saw the pilot perform a control continuity check after assembly of the glider prior to takeoff. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector from the Sacramento, California, Flight Standards District Office responded to the accident site and examined the glider. He reported that the glider is equipped with quick disconnect fittings on the control system push/pull tubes in the wing center section. The fittings allow the control system to be disconnected and reconnected as the wings are removed or installed. The right aileron/flaperon fitting was found disconnected.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 PDT
Nearest AirportMontague/Yreka Roher (0nm)
Runway32
Runway Length3400 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRolladen-Schneider LS-6
Tail NumberN64UW
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data