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July 26, 1989 · Flug-Und Fahrzeugwerke Ffa Diament 16.5 Diament 16 · N808VV
Marana, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Marana, AZ
Aircraft
Flug-Und Fahrzeugwerke Ffa Diament 16.5 Diament 16
Tail Number
N808VV
Operator
George Kulesza
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX89LA248
THE PILOT AND A WITNESS REPORTED THE GLIDER UNEXPECTEDLY PITCHED UP, STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND SHORTLY AFTER LIFT OFF FROM A GLIDER PORT. A SUSPECTED ROD TO THE ELEVATOR WAS EXAMINED BY A METALLURGIST. HE CONCLUDED THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FATIGUE OR CORROSION AND THE FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF A SINGLE RAPID OVERLOAD. THERE WERE NO OTHER ANOMALIES FOUND WITH THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL RESULTING FROM AN UNCOMMANDED UPWARD PITCH SHORTLY AFTER LIFT OFF.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT AND A WITNESS REPORTED THE GLIDER UNEXPECTEDLY PITCHED UP, STALLED AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND SHORTLY AFTER LIFT OFF FROM A GLIDER PORT. A SUSPECTED ROD TO THE ELEVATOR WAS EXAMINED BY A METALLURGIST. HE CONCLUDED THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF FATIGUE OR CORROSION AND THE FAILURE WAS THE RESULT OF A SINGLE RAPID OVERLOAD. THERE WERE NO OTHER ANOMALIES FOUND WITH THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:59 MST
Nearest AirportELTIRO (0nm N)
Runway26R
Runway Length5100 ft
Runway Width175 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftFlug-Und Fahrzeugwerke Ffa Diament 16.5 Diament 16
Tail NumberN808VV
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageDestroyed
OperatorGeorge Kulesza
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown · UNKNOWN · Unknown
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 5 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point10 C / 54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO