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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 14, 2016 · Pzl-Swidnik PW 6U NO Series · N212EC

Llano, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 14, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Llano, CA
Aircraft
Pzl-Swidnik PW 6U NO Series (2003)
Tail Number
N212EC
Operator
Cypress Soaring
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA430

According to the glider pilot, while being towed during the takeoff roll, the glider encountered a bump and he heard a loud bang. He reported that he was contacted by radio and informed that the aft canopy had separated from the glider. The pilot recalled that although the glider controllability was normal he communicated with the tow airplane pilot, executed one pattern and landed the glider. The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection he failed to properly close and lock the two canopy latches for the aft canopy. The glider sustained substantial damage to the aft canopy and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that were no mechanical failures or anomalies with any portion of the glider that would have prevented normal flight operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to properly secure the two aft canopy latches during the preflight inspection, which resulted in the canopy separating from the glider during the takeoff roll and substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer.

Full Narrative

According to the glider pilot, while being towed during the takeoff roll, the glider encountered a bump and he heard a loud bang. He reported that he was contacted by radio and informed that the aft canopy had separated from the glider. The pilot recalled that although the glider controllability was normal he communicated with the tow airplane pilot, executed one pattern and landed the glider. The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection he failed to properly close and lock the two canopy latches for the aft canopy. The glider sustained substantial damage to the aft canopy and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that were no mechanical failures or anomalies with any portion of the glider that would have prevented normal flight operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 PDT
Nearest AirportCRYSTAL (0nm E)
Runway25
Runway Length4500 ft
Runway Width250 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPzl-Swidnik PW 6U NO Series
Tail NumberN212EC
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCypress Soaring
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time17:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data