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NTSB Report
May 4, 1986 · Glaser-Dirks DG-400 · N40Z
Longmont, CO
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 1986
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Longmont, CO
Aircraft
Glaser-Dirks DG-400
Tail Number
N40Z
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN86LA127
THIS EXPERIMENTAL GLIDER HAS A STOWABLE 2 CYCLE ENG MOUNTED BEHIND THE COCKPIT. WHEN THE ENG IS STOWED THE GLIDE RATIO IS ABOUT 40:1. WHEN THE ENG IS DEPLOYED BUT NOT RUNNING, THE GLIDE RATIO IS ABOUT 10:1. WHILE RETURNING AFTER A 4 HR AND 50 MIN FLT THE PLT DECIDED ENG PWR WOULD BE NEEDED TO REACH THE ARPT. HE DEPLOYED THE ENG BUT IT WOULD NOT START. AN OFF ARPT FORCED LANDING WAS NECESSARY AND THE ACFT HIT A TREE.
Full Narrative
THIS EXPERIMENTAL GLIDER HAS A STOWABLE 2 CYCLE ENG MOUNTED BEHIND THE COCKPIT. WHEN THE ENG IS STOWED THE GLIDE RATIO IS ABOUT 40:1. WHEN THE ENG IS DEPLOYED BUT NOT RUNNING, THE GLIDE RATIO IS ABOUT 10:1. WHILE RETURNING AFTER A 4 HR AND 50 MIN FLT THE PLT DECIDED ENG PWR WOULD BE NEEDED TO REACH THE ARPT. HE DEPLOYED THE ENG BUT IT WOULD NOT START. AN OFF ARPT FORCED LANDING WAS NECESSARY AND THE ACFT HIT A TREE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGlaser-Dirks DG-400
Tail NumberN40Z
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 2 CYCLE · Reciprocating · 43
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 20 kt
Visibility75 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:45
Weather SourceWFAC