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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 29, 2001 · Aviastrottel AC 4C · N68PR

Marshfield, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 2001
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Marshfield, MI
Aircraft
Aviastrottel AC 4C
Tail Number
N68PR
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
CHI01LA332

The glider contacted the runway during takeoff. The pilot reported that approximately 200 feet into the ground run, the glider became airborne. After reaching an altitude of about 5 feet, the glider settled to the runway and bounced. The pilot reported that he was wearing headphones, which slipped forward when the glider contacted the runway. As the headphones slipped forward, the pilot's hat was pulled down over his eyes. The glider became airborne again and because he was unable to see the tow plane, the pilot released the glider from the tow. The glider impacted hard on the runway and the pilot suffered a compression fracture in his back.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to release from the tow plane during the takeoff. A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's vision was restricted by his hat during the takeoff.

Full Narrative

On September 29, 2001, at 1425 eastern daylight time, an AviaStrottel AC 4C glider, N68PR, collided with the terrain during takeoff on runway 10 (2,800 feet by 75 feet, grass) at the Brooks Field, Marshall, Michigan. The private pilot was seriously injured and the glider received minor damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that approximately 200 feet into the ground run, the glider became airborne. After reaching an altitude of about 5 feet, the glider settled to the runway and bounced. The pilot reported that he was wearing headphones, which slipped forward when the glider contacted the runway. As the headphones slipped forward, the pilot's hat was pulled down over his eyes. The glider became airborne again and because he was unable to see the tow plane, the pilot released the glider from the tow. The glider impacted hard on the runway and the pilot suffered a compression fracture in his back.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:25 EDT
Nearest AirportBrooks Field (0nm)
Runway10
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAviastrottel AC 4C
Tail NumberN68PR
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 46
Altimeter30.34 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data