Pilot Debrief

PIPISTREL DOO AJDOVSCINA VIRUS SW near Weatherford, TX — 2017-05-13

Final reportCEN17LA182
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Date
2017-05-13
Location
Weatherford, TX, USA
Airport
XA86
Aircraft
PIPISTREL DOO AJDOVSCINA VIRUS SW
Registration
N616NG
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to obtain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, during departure for the planned local flight in a motorized glider, just as the nosewheel lifted off, a wind gust from the left pushed the motorized glider to the right. The pilot pulled back on the control stick to climb and simultaneously applied left rudder and aileron. The pilot added that the motorized glider became airborne, but the airspeed was insufficient, and it then entered a "stalled left spin." An automated weather reporting facility located 7 nautical miles south of the accident site recorded that the wind was from 160°at 4 knots. The accident is consistent with the pilot failing to obtain adequate airspeed at takeoff, which resulted in the motorized glider entering an aerodynamic stall/spin immediately after takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to insufficient airspeed and wind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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