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August 24, 2019 · Dg Flugzeugbau DG-500MB · N165MB

Robertsdale, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 24, 2019
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Robertsdale, AL
Aircraft
Dg Flugzeugbau DG-500MB (2005)
Tail Number
N165MB
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA19LA260

The pilot and passenger onboard the glider could not recall the events of the accident flight due to their injuries, and there were no witnesses to the accident. The glider was found substantially damaged among trees east of the runway. The landing gear and airbrakes were found in the extended positions, and the engine and propeller were stowed. An examination of the wreckage did not reveal evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Impact with trees during the landing approach for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

On August 24, 2019, about 1540 central daylight time, a DG-Flugzeugbau DG-500MB glider, N165MB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Robertsdale, Alabama. The private pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site, the glider was found in a wooded area past the departure end of runway 9 at Elsanor Airport (1AL4), Robertsdale, Alabama. The turf runway was 2,400 ft in length. The right wing was separated from the airframe and the left wing remained attached. The empennage was separated from contact with trees. The engine and propeller were in their stowed positions inside the aft fuselage. Neither the pilot nor the passenger could recall the accident due to their injuries. There were no known witnesses to the accident. An examination of the wreckage at a recovery facility revealed continuity to all flight controls. The landing gear and airbrakes were in the extended positions. The glider was equipped with a LX7000 gliding computer and GPS navigation system; examination of the unit revealed no recorded data from the accident flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:40 CDT
Nearest AirportElsanor Airport (1nm E)
Runway09
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDg Flugzeugbau DG-500MB
Tail NumberN165MB
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSolo · Solo 2625 02 · Reciprocating · 64
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 64 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data