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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.

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NTSB Report

August 3, 1996 · Schleicher KA6-CR · N445M

Forrest City, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 3, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Forrest City, AR
Aircraft
Schleicher KA6-CR
Tail Number
N445M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA330

According to the pilot, the glider lost lift while on a local glider flight and he elected to execute an off-airport landing on a dirt road approximately 4 miles from the airport. The tow plane landed on the road to retrieve the glider. The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll from the crowned and uneven dirt road, a heavy dust cloud was created by the tow plane, and he was unable to maintain directional control. The glider impacted a steel foot bridge crossing an irrigation ditch.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff. Factors were the dust restricting his visibility and the uneven terrain.

Full Narrative

On August 3, 1996, at 1430 central daylight time, a Schleicher KA6-CR glider, N445M, registered to and operated by a private owner was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff near Forrest City, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured during the personal flight operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Forrest City Municipal Airport at approximately 1330. According to the pilot, the glider lost lift while on a local glider flight and he elected to execute an off-airport landing on a dirt road approximately 4 miles from the airport. The tow plane landed on the road to retrieve the glider. The pilot added that during the takeoff roll from the crowned and uneven dirt road, a heavy dust cloud was created by the tow plane, and he was unable to maintain directional control. The glider impacted a steel foot bridge crossing an irrigation ditch and sustained structural damage to the aft portion of the airframe.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchleicher KA6-CR
Tail NumberN445M
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data