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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 6, 2012 · Eiriavion Oy PIK 20D · N39RB

Eagleville, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 2012
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Eagleville, TN
Aircraft
Eiriavion Oy PIK 20D
Tail Number
N39RB
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12CA321

The pilot reported that, when he was preparing to land, the wind favored a landing to the north. However, during the approach to land, he observed another glider being pulled out onto the field. Concerned about obstacle clearance during the landing, the pilot continued north on a downwind leg to set up for a landing to the south. The last thing he recalled before the accident was encountering a “very strong sink.” The glider subsequently collided with a cedar tree and the ground, substantially damaging the glider’s empennage. A witness reported that the glider appeared to climb and then banked hard to the right and rolled upside down before the collision. Postaccident examination and the pilot’s statement indicated no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The glider’s encounter with atmospheric lift conditions not sufficient to maintain flight, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was preparing to land and the wind favored an approach to the north. While on approach to land, he observed another glider being pulled out onto the field. Concerned about obstacle clearance during the landing, he continued on a downwind leg to the north to set up for a landing to the south. The last thing he recalled prior to the accident was a “very strong sink.” The glider collided with a cedar tree, then the ground, about 1,016 feet from the north end of the runway. A witness reported that the glider appeared to climb and then banked hard to the right and rolled upside down before the collision. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration inspected the wreckage and confirmed substantial damage to the empennage. His inspection of the wreckage revealed that the glider was airworthy at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failure that would have precluded normal operation of the glider.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:06 CDT
Nearest AirportPuckett Gliderport (1nm)
Runway14
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width145 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEiriavion Oy PIK 20D
Tail NumberN39RB
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time19:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data