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August 17, 2017 · Aerotechnik L 13 SEH Vivat SEH · N8230S

Moses Lake, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Moses Lake, WA
Aircraft
Aerotechnik L 13 SEH Vivat SEH (1993)
Tail Number
N8230S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA494

According to the powered-glider pilot, during takeoff, he noticed a slower-than-usual acceleration but continued the departure. He reported that, "after lift-off, the glider exhibited a poor climb rate although the engine was running smooth." Moments later, the glider stopped climbing and then descended and struck the roof of a building located about 800 ft southwest of the departure end of the runway. The glider came to rest upright after colliding with another structure and was consumed by a postcrash fire. The pilot recalled that, during the startup sequence, he was "anxious to get back to my home base" and that he had not used the checklist. The pilot reported that he had taken off with the propeller in the cruise setting and the wing spoilers deployed. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper takeoff configuration due to his failure to follow the pretakeoff checklist, which resulted in a loss of lift and collision with obstacles.

Full Narrative

According to the powered-glider pilot, during takeoff he noticed a slower than usual acceleration, but continued the departure. He reported that, "after lift-off the glider exhibited a poor climb rate although the engine was running smooth." Moments later, the glider stopped climbing, then descended and struck the roof of a building located about 800ft southwest of the departure end of the runway. The glider came to rest upright, after colliding with another structure, and was consumed by a post-crash fire. The pilot recalled that during the startup sequence, he was, "anxious to get back to my home base" and that he had not used the checklist. The pilot reported that he had taken off with the propeller in the cruise setting and the wing spoilers deployed. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 PDT
Nearest AirportMoses Lake Muni (0nm S)
Runway16
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerotechnik L 13 SEH Vivat SEH
Tail NumberN8230S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsAerotecnik · MIKRON III · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time21:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data