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NTSB Report
September 26, 1992 · Schleicher ASW-20 · N789E
Middletown, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 26, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Middletown, CA
Aircraft
Schleicher ASW-20
Tail Number
N789E
Operator
David C Petersen
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX92LA400
THE PILOT FAILED TO CONNECT THE ELEVATOR CONTROL MECHANISM DURING ASSEMBLY AND WAS DISTRACTED BY PERFORMING OTHER TASKS. THE PILOT DID NOT PERFORM A POSITIVE FLIGHT CONTROL CHECK PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT REPORTED HE HAD NO ELEVATOR CONTROL, LOST AIRCRAFT CONTROL, AND DESCENDED INTO THE GROUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CONNECT THE ELEVATOR CONTROL DURING ASSEMBLY AND FAILURE TO PERFORM AN ADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT CHECK. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS DISTRACTION BY PERFORMING OTHER TASKS DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT FAILED TO CONNECT THE ELEVATOR CONTROL MECHANISM DURING ASSEMBLY AND WAS DISTRACTED BY PERFORMING OTHER TASKS. THE PILOT DID NOT PERFORM A POSITIVE FLIGHT CONTROL CHECK PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT REPORTED HE HAD NO ELEVATOR CONTROL, LOST AIRCRAFT CONTROL, AND DESCENDED INTO THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:31 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchleicher ASW-20
Tail NumberN789E
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDavid C Petersen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT