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NTSB Report

September 1, 1991 · Sportavia-Putzer RF5B · N55SM

Lockport, NY

Overview

Report Status

Probable Cause

Event Type

Accident

Date

September 1, 1991

Injury Outcomes

No injuries (1 uninjured)

Location

Lockport, NY

Aircraft

Sportavia-Putzer RF5B

Tail Number

N55SM

Operator

Donald G Hobel

Injuries

None

Aircraft Damage

Substantial

NTSB Number

NYC91LA228

THE POWERED GLIDER WAS MAKING A LANDING, WHEN THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED TURBULENCE AND WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. HE APPLIED RUDDER AND AILERON CORRECTION, BUT THE GLIDER DRIFTED OFF THE RUNWAY AND STRUCK SOME TREES.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE GLIDER DURING LANDING. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE TURBULENCE ENCOUNTERED ON APPROACH.

Full Narrative

THE POWERED GLIDER WAS MAKING A LANDING, WHEN THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED TURBULENCE AND WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. HE APPLIED RUDDER AND AILERON CORRECTION, BUT THE GLIDER DRIFTED OFF THE RUNWAY AND STRUCK SOME TREES.

Flight

Event TypeAccident

Event Time11:15 EDT

Nearest AirportLockport Cambria (0nm)

Runway0

Runway Length2500 ft

Runway Width60 ft

Flight Plan FiledNone

Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSportavia-Putzer RF5B

Tail NumberN55SM

Aircraft CategoryGli

DamageSubstantial

OperatorDonald G Hobel

Operating RulePart 91

Engines1

Engine TypeReciprocating

Engine DetailsLimbach · SL100E · Reciprocating · 68

Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)

Fatal0

Serious0

Minor0

Uninjured1

Total1

Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC

LightDaylight

Wind60° @ 10 kt, gusting 15 kt

Visibility10 sm

CeilingNone

Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C

Altimeter0

Weather SourcePILO

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September 1, 1991 · Sportavia-Putzer RF5B · N55SM

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Full Narrative