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May 10, 2002 · Glaser-Dirks-Flugzeubau DG-100G · N169LM

Union, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 10, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Union, IL
Aircraft
Glaser-Dirks-Flugzeubau DG-100G
Tail Number
N169LM
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI02LA131

The pilot lost control of the glider during the initial takeoff phase of an aero-tow launch. The pilot reported, "When I was ready to launch, I gave the wing-runner the signal to lift the wing and he did. I [signaled] the tow plane to begin take-off. At the start of the take-off roll, I gave a little right rudder input as the glider was veering left of the intended path. Almost immediately I saw the nose of the glider was moving very erratically. I decided to attempt to abort the launch by pulling the release." The pilot stated that after the tow-rope release was made, "... the plane was a few feet above the ground and it was out of control." The pilot reported the glider impacted the terrain on the north side of the runway. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems or malfunctions with the glider. A weather observation station, located at the De Kalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DKB), about 16 nautical miles (nm) from the accident site on a 213 degrees magnetic heading, recorded the wind conditions approximately 8 minutes after the accident as 260 degrees magnetic at 15 knots gusting to 18 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not maintaining aircraft control during the aero-tow takeoff. Factors to the accident were the high wind velocity and the gusting wind condition.

Full Narrative

On May 10, 2002, at 1400 central daylight time, a Glaser-Dirks-Flugzeubau DG-100G, N169LM, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff on runway 27 (2,300 feet by 100 feet, dry/turf) at the Sky Soaring Airport (55LL), Union, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot reported serious injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot's written statement, the accident occurred during an aero-tow launch. The pilot reported, "When I was ready to launch, I gave the wing-runner the signal to lift the wing and he did. I [signaled] the tow plane to begin take-off. At the start of the take-off roll, I gave a little right rudder input as the glider was veering left of the intended path. Almost immediately I saw the nose of the glider was moving very erratically. I decided to attempt to abort the launch by pulling the release." The pilot stated that after the tow-rope release was made, "... the plane was a few feet above the ground and it was out of control." The pilot reported the glider impacted the terrain on the north side of the runway. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems or malfunctions with the glider. A weather observation station, located at the De Kalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DKB), about 16 nautical miles (nm) from the accident site on a 213 degrees magnetic heading, recorded the weather conditions approximately 8 minutes after the accident as: Observation Time: 1408 Wind: 260 degrees magnetic at 15 knots gusting to 18 knots Visibility: 10 statute miles Sky Condition: Sky Clear Temperature: 17 degrees Celsius Dew Point: -13 degrees Celsius Pressure: 30.30 inches-of-mercury

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSky Soaring (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length2300 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftGlaser-Dirks-Flugzeubau DG-100G
Tail NumberN169LM
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 15 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 9 C
Altimeter30.29 inHg
Observation Time19:08
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data