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NTSB Report
July 8, 1987 · Schempp-Hirth Nimbus II · N71JD
Hobbs, NM
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 8, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hobbs, NM
Aircraft
Schempp-Hirth Nimbus II
Tail Number
N71JD
Operator
James M Stabler
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN87LA175
THE PVT PLT WAS FLYING IN A NATIONAL SOARING CONTEST. THE GLIDER WAS TOWED TO 2000 FEET AGL AND RELEASED. THE PLT REPORTED MAKING A CLIMBING RIGHT TURN AFTER RELEASE, HOWEVER HE NOTICED THAT THE CONTROL STICK WAS MORE AFT THAN NORMAL. AS THE FLIGHT PROGRESSED, THE STICK CAME TO A FULL AFT POSITION. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY UP ELEVATOR CONTROL RESPONSE. THE ALTITUDE HAD DETERIORATED TO 1300 FEET AGL. THE PLT BAILED OUT SUCCESSFULLY. THE ACFT INVERTED, ENTERED A FLAT SPIN AND CRASHED. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE BELIEVED THE ELEVATOR CONTROL WAS INADVERTENTLY ASSEMBLED IMPROPERLY. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN REPORTED LOSS OF ELEVATOR CONTROL.
Full Narrative
THE PVT PLT WAS FLYING IN A NATIONAL SOARING CONTEST. THE GLIDER WAS TOWED TO 2000 FEET AGL AND RELEASED. THE PLT REPORTED MAKING A CLIMBING RIGHT TURN AFTER RELEASE, HOWEVER HE NOTICED THAT THE CONTROL STICK WAS MORE AFT THAN NORMAL. AS THE FLIGHT PROGRESSED, THE STICK CAME TO A FULL AFT POSITION. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY UP ELEVATOR CONTROL RESPONSE. THE ALTITUDE HAD DETERIORATED TO 1300 FEET AGL. THE PLT BAILED OUT SUCCESSFULLY. THE ACFT INVERTED, ENTERED A FLAT SPIN AND CRASHED. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE BELIEVED THE ELEVATOR CONTROL WAS INADVERTENTLY ASSEMBLED IMPROPERLY. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN REPORTED LOSS OF ELEVATOR CONTROL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchempp-Hirth Nimbus II
Tail NumberN71JD
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames M Stabler
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsNone · NONE · Unknown
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 12 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:47