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May 16, 2021 · I C A -Brasov Romania IS-28B2 · N41CR

Hampshire, IL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 16, 2021
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Hampshire, IL
Aircraft
I C A -Brasov Romania IS-28B2 (1977)
Tail Number
N41CR
Operator
Sky Soaring
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA226

The flight instructor of the instructional glider flight reported that during a winch launch with the student pilot, the glider accelerated to 70 kts exceeding the winch launch speed. As the flight instructor attempted to decrease the airspeed to the normal winch launch speed, the weak/safety link broke and the glider separated from the towing cable. The flight instructor attempted to maneuver the glider for a landing back to the runway; however, during the turn to enter the final approach, the glider’s critical angle of attack was exceeded, and the glider entered an aerodynamic stall/spin. The glider impacted trees and terrain coming to rest on a grass field. The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and to both wings. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor also reported that he should have maintained sufficient airspeed to prevent a “stall/spin” at a low altitude.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain aircraft control resulting in the exceedance of the glider’s critical angle of attack following the breakage of the weak/safety link during a winch launch, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin, and subsequent impact with trees and terrain.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor of the instructional glider flight reported that during a winch launch with the student pilot, the glider accelerated to 70 kts exceeding the winch launch speed. As the flight instructor attempted to decrease the airspeed to the normal winch launch speed, the weak/safety link broke and the glider separated from the towing cable. The flight instructor attempted to maneuver the glider for a landing back to the runway; however, during the turn to enter the final approach, the glider’s critical angle of attack was exceeded, and the glider entered an aerodynamic stall/spin. The glider impacted trees and terrain coming to rest on a grass field. The glider sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and to both wings. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the glider that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor also reported that he should have maintained sufficient airspeed to prevent a “stall/spin” at a low altitude.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSky Soaring (0.4nm ESE)
Runway09-2
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftI C A -Brasov Romania IS-28B2
Tail NumberN41CR
Aircraft CategoryGli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSky Soaring
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeNone
Engine DetailsNone · None · None
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · None · Minor
Crew 2Age 59 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 54 F
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time12:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data