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NTSB Report

December 4, 2005 · Diamond Aircraft Industries HK 36 TTC · N543MD

Sandpoint, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 4, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sandpoint, ID
Aircraft
Diamond Aircraft Industries HK 36 TTC
Tail Number
N543MD
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA06CA023

The pilot stated that he had been practicing short field approaches at the Sandpoint Airport with a flight instructor and then decided to go to his property where he had a private airstrip. The pilot stated that the flight instructor was flying the glider, making a low approach over the airstrip when he unexpectedly decided to land. The airspeed was too high to stop on the remaining runway which was covered with compacted snow. After rolling about 300 feet, the flight instructor applied full throttle for the takeoff. The pilot pointed out the power lines beyond the end of the runway, and the flight instructor stated that they would fly under them. At this time the left wing struck a tractor that was positioned at the end of the airstrip. The wing separated from the airframe and the glider spun around, coming to rest. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction with the glider at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Excessive speed for the landing roll and inadequate remedial action for the initial takeoff. An object near the end of the runway and snow covered surface were factors.

Full Narrative

On December 3, 2005, about 1600 Pacific standard time, a Diamond Aircraft Industries HK 36 TTC, N543MD powered glider, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, collided with a tractor during takeoff from a private airstrip near Sandpoint, Idaho. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The glider was substantially damaged and the private pilot owner and flight instructor were not injured. The flight departed from Sandpoint Airport about 30 minutes prior to the accident. During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot stated that they had been practicing short field approaches at the Sandpoint Airport, then decided to go to the owner's property where he had a private airstrip. The pilot stated that the flight instructor was flying the glider, making a low approach over the airstrip when he unexpectedly decided to land. The airspeed was too high to stop on the remaining runway which was covered with compacted snow. After rolling about 300 feet, the flight instructor applied full throttle for the takeoff. The pilot pointed out the power lines beyond the end of the runway, and the flight instructor stated that they would fly under them. At this time the left wing struck a tractor that was positioned at the end of the airstrip. The wing separated from the airframe and the glider spun around, coming to rest. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction with the glider at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftDiamond Aircraft Industries HK 36 TTC
Tail NumberN543MD
Aircraft CategoryPlft
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 914 F3 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · First Class · None
Crew 2None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data