Pilot Debrief

SCHLEICHER ASW-20 near Pocahontas, IL — 2010-07-04

Final reportCEN10LA368
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Date
2010-07-04
Location
Pocahontas, IL, USA
Aircraft
SCHLEICHER ASW-20
Registration
N82BK
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a wings-level attitude prior to impacting high vegetation and terrain during the off-field landing.

NTSB narrative

The glider was towed to an altitude of 1,800 feet by an airplane and then released for a local flight. Radio communication with the glider was attempted about an hour later; however, it was not reestablished. Three airplanes went to look for the glider and located it about six hours after departure, in a field of high vegetation. The glider was equipped with a datalogger that indicated the glider was in a left turn about 250 feet north of the accident site prior to impact. The left wing's leading edge was torn and its tear contained vegetation. The landing gear was extended. An on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. While the pilot was taking medication for the treatment of diabetes, attention deficit disorder, and anxiety, the investigation could not determine what role, if any, the pilot’s medications or medical conditions may have played in the accident. The pilot did not have a current Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate, nor was one required for the glider operations in which he was engaged.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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