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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 4, 2008 · Schempp-Hirth NIMBUS-4M · N747JN

Ephrata, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Ephrata, WA
Aircraft
Schempp-Hirth NIMBUS-4M
Tail Number
N747JN
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA08CA122

This was the first flight after removal of the glider from storage and its reassembly. The pilot reported that during takeoff initial climb, the glider started to roll to the left despite his control inputs. He decided to abort the takeoff and land straight ahead while attempting to maintain control of the powered glider. Subsequently, the left wing struck the ground, and the glider began to cartwheel. Examination of the airframe revealed that the left and right wings were structurally damaged and the empennage was partially separated. Examination of the flight control system revealed that the left aileron connecting rod was disconnected at the fuselage/wing quick connection point and was undamaged. The pilot stated that during assembly of the glider prior to the flight, the left aileron control tube was inadvertently not attached, and that he did not verify that all flight controls moved free and correct prior to takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and his failure to connect the left aileron control rod during assembly.

Full Narrative

This was the first flight after removal of the glider from storage and its reassembly. The pilot reported that during takeoff initial climb, the glider started to roll to the left despite his control inputs. He decided to abort the takeoff and land straight ahead while attempting to maintain control of the powered glider. Subsequently, the left wing struck the ground and the glider began to cart wheel. Examination of the airframe revealed that the left and right wings were structurally damaged and the empennage was partially separated. Examination of the flight control system revealed that the left aileron connecting rod was disconnected at the fuselage/wing quick connection point and was undamaged. The pilot stated that during assembly of the glider prior to the flight, the left aileron control tube was inadvertently not attached and that he did not verify that all flight controls moved free and correct prior to takeoff.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:22 PDT
Nearest AirportEphrata Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length3467 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchempp-Hirth NIMBUS-4M
Tail NumberN747JN
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSolo · 2625-02 · Reciprocating
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.05 inHg
Observation Time20:53

Appendix: Source Data