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June 6, 2014 · Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3/24.5 · N245AB

Wallis, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 6, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Wallis, TX
Aircraft
Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 3/24.5 (1984)
Tail Number
N245AB
Operator
Coggins David L
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN14CA280

The glider pilot reported that he was to be towed by a tow plane and make a "no assist launch." The glider's wings were loosely supported by wing stands and the tow rope was attached from the tow plane to the glider. When the slack was out of the tow rope, the glider pilot made a radio call "Go, go, go" to the tow pilot. The glider began to lift off from the grass runway when the pilot noticed that the tow plane moved left laterally from what he assumed was a gust of wind. The tow pilot corrected back to the right and the glider pilot readied to do the same. When the glider entered the area of suspected wind gust, it suddenly ascended about 8 feet and the left wing lifted. The pilot applied full left aileron and left rudder and forward pressure on the control stick in order to descend and regain the correct flight path. The left wing continued to lift so the glider pilot released the tow rope as the glider made a 30 degree right turn. The glider exited the area of suspected wind gust and the glider pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the glider impacted the runway. The glider sustained substantial damage to the rear fuselage and empennage. He also reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The glider pilot reported that he was to be towed by a tow plane and make a "no assist launch." The glider's wings were loosely supported by wing stands and the tow rope was attached from the tow plane to the glider. When the slack was out of the tow rope, the glider pilot made a radio call "Go, go, go" to the tow pilot. The glider began to lift off from the grass runway when pilot noticed that the tow plane moved left laterally from what he assumed was a gust of wind. The tow pilot corrected back to the right and the glider pilot readied to do the same. When the glider entered the area of suspected wind gust, it suddenly ascended about 8 feet and the left wing lifted. The pilot applied full left aileron and left rudder and forward pressure on the control stick in order to descend and regain the correct flight path. The left wing continued to lift so the glider pilot released the tow rope as the glider made a 30 degree right turn. The glider exited the area of suspected wind gust and the glider pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the glider impacted the runway. The glider sustained substantial damage to the rear fuselage and empennage. He also reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:06 CDT
Nearest AirportGhsa-Wallis Glideport (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length4000 ft
Runway Width125 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSchempp-Hirth Nimbus 3/24.5
Tail NumberN245AB
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCoggins David L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 11 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4100 ft
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data