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July 24, 2009 · Schweizer SGU 2-22CK · N3907A

Ephrata, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Ephrata, WA
Aircraft
Schweizer SGU 2-22CK
Tail Number
N3907A
Operator
Civil Air Patrol
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA368

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were onboard the glider readying it for an automobile tow launch. The CFI reported giving the 'take up slack' command to the wing walker, who was steadying the wings. Before the slack was taken up by the tow vehicle driver, the wing walker prematurely gave the launch signal. The tow driver then accelerated and the glider was suddenly launched into the air. The CFI attempted to control the glider by applying full forward elevator and simultaneously attempting to release the tow line. The glider struck the ground with the line still attached and was again launched into the air as the tow truck continued to accelerate. The tow line then released and the nose of the glider struck the ground. The glider sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage structure during the accident sequence.

NTSB Probable Cause

Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Ground crew - C

Full Narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were onboard the glider readying it for an automobile tow launch. The CFI reported giving the 'take up slack' command to the wing walker, who was steadying the wings. Before the slack was taken up by the tow vehicle driver, the wing walker prematurely gave the launch signal. The tow driver then accelerated and the glider was suddenly launched into the air. The CFI attempted to control the glider by applying full forward elevator and simultaneously attempting to release the tow line. The glider struck the ground with the line still attached and was again launched into the air as the tow truck continued to accelerate. The tow line then released and the nose of the glider struck the ground. The glider sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage structure during the accident sequence.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:00 PDT
Nearest AirportEphrata Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length3843 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchweizer SGU 2-22CK
Tail NumberN3907A
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCivil Air Patrol
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 15 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 52
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data