Pilot Debrief

AERO TEK INC. ZUNI near Aguila, AZ — 2014-05-03

Final reportWPR14FA181
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Date
2014-05-03
Location
Aguila, AZ, USA
Airport
28AZ
Aircraft
AERO TEK INC. ZUNI
Registration
N22DA
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain control of the glider after the tow cable separated prematurely due to an incomplete engagement of the cable in the control tow release system due to a missing spring.

NTSB narrative

The glider was being towed, and just after takeoff, at 100 ft above ground level, the glider separated prematurely from the tow cable. Shortly thereafter, the glider impacted the ground. Examination of the accident site revealed that the glider struck terrain east of the runway at a high-impact angle consistent with a loss of control. Due to the low altitude at which the separation occurred, the glider pilot had limited time and opportunity to successfully land the glider off airport. Postaccident examination of the glider's release system revealed that it was missing a spring, which likely resulted in the cable not engaging in the detent and caused the premature release from the tow line. Further examination of the glider did not reveal any additional evidence of a mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land ahead after tow line separation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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