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NTSB Report
May 30, 1993 · Schempp-Hirth Nimbus II · N173
Buena Vista, CO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 30, 1993
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Buena Vista, CO
Aircraft
Schempp-Hirth Nimbus II
Tail Number
N173
Operator
Kile R L
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN93LA064
DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE PILOT WENT FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE FLAPS AFTER THE CONTROLS BECAME EFFECTIVE. THE FLAP TRANSITION WAS RAPID AND THE GLIDER BEGAN TO OSCILLATE IN PITCH. THE OSCILLATIONS BECAME DIVERGENT AND THE GLIDER ROLLED OFF ON A WING AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND SHORTLY AFTER THE SAFETY ROPE PARTED. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WENT FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE FLAPS TOO QUICKLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES WHEN OPERATING THE FLAPS.
Full Narrative
DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE PILOT WENT FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE FLAPS AFTER THE CONTROLS BECAME EFFECTIVE. THE FLAP TRANSITION WAS RAPID AND THE GLIDER BEGAN TO OSCILLATE IN PITCH. THE OSCILLATIONS BECAME DIVERGENT AND THE GLIDER ROLLED OFF ON A WING AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND SHORTLY AFTER THE SAFETY ROPE PARTED. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WENT FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE FLAPS TOO QUICKLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 MDT
Nearest AirportBuena Vista Municipal (0nm)
Runway15
Runway Length9000 ft
Runway Width48 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchempp-Hirth Nimbus II
Tail NumberN173
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKile R L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC