Pilot Debrief

SCHLEICHER ALEXANDER GMBH & CO ASH 26 E near Waynesville, OH — 2024-08-30

Final reportERA24FA362
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Date
2024-08-30
Location
Waynesville, OH, USA
Airport
2OH9
Aircraft
SCHLEICHER ALEXANDER GMBH & CO ASH 26 E
Registration
N264JM
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of control on takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The 84-year-old pilot was being towed for takeoff in his glider when the accident occurred. According to the tow pilot, the glider became airborne earlier than normal and climbed above and to the left of the tow plane. The glider started pulling the tail of the tow plane up and the tow pilot had to release the glider when they were about 100 to 150 ft above the ground. Witnesses described that the glider pitched up before entering a nose low, left descending turn that continue to ground impact on the grass runway. Postaccident examination of the glider revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The witnesses also stated that the pilot acted and sounded normal before the accident; however, once airborne, his actions were not consistent with his normal flying habits. The witnesses described him as an active glider pilot who was meticulous and very conservative with his flying. Postaccident toxicological testing of blood and liver samples from the pilot detected the drugs Metformin and Pravastatin. These medications are not considered impairing and likely did not pose a hazard to flight or contribute to the accident. An autopsy of the pilot did not detect that he had a medical event that would have contributed to the accident. Since no mechanical or medical issues were identified, the investigation was not able to determine why the pilot lost control on takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Tow pilot could have aborted the tow when glider became airborne unusually early.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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