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NTSB Report
August 17, 1986 · Schleicher ASW-20 · N12GH
Ionia, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ionia, MI
Aircraft
Schleicher ASW-20
Tail Number
N12GH
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86LA208
ACCORDING TO THE PLT, AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES SOUTH OF IONIA COUNTY AIRPORT, IONIA, MICHIGAN, HE USED FRONTAL ZONE LIFT TO CLIMB TO 4600 MSL (3800 AGL), AND HE ENCOUNTERED NO FURTHER LIFT. THE PLT STATED THAT HE ANTICIPATED AN INCREASE IN WIND GRADIENT DURING DESCENT AND WHILE ON A ONE MILE FINAL HE STILL HAD VISUAL CONFIDENCE IN MAKING THE AIRPORT. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE THEN EXPERIENCED SEVERE SINK AND STRUCK A BUSH AND A LARGE ROCK BEFORE COMING TO REST APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE SHORT OF RWY 36 AT IONIA COUNTY AIRPORT.
Full Narrative
ACCORDING TO THE PLT, AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES SOUTH OF IONIA COUNTY AIRPORT, IONIA, MICHIGAN, HE USED FRONTAL ZONE LIFT TO CLIMB TO 4600 MSL (3800 AGL), AND HE ENCOUNTERED NO FURTHER LIFT. THE PLT STATED THAT HE ANTICIPATED AN INCREASE IN WIND GRADIENT DURING DESCENT AND WHILE ON A ONE MILE FINAL HE STILL HAD VISUAL CONFIDENCE IN MAKING THE AIRPORT. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE THEN EXPERIENCED SEVERE SINK AND STRUCK A BUSH AND A LARGE ROCK BEFORE COMING TO REST APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE SHORT OF RWY 36 AT IONIA COUNTY AIRPORT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest AirportIonia County (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length4125 ft
Runway Width400 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSchleicher ASW-20
Tail NumberN12GH
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 59
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC