Pilot Debrief

HOFFMANN HK36R SUPER DIMONA near Winsted, MN — 2011-09-05

Final reportCEN11LA623
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Date
2011-09-05
Location
Winsted, MN, USA
Aircraft
HOFFMANN HK36R SUPER DIMONA
Registration
N63RK
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

While on a visual approach to the runway, the pilot elected to perform a 360-degree turn at low altitude under idle engine power to allow for spacing between his airplane and an airplane near the runway. The passenger reported that, after completing the 360-turn, the pilot said something like "oh, oh," and then the pilot pitched the airplane's nose down, consistent with a recovery maneuver from an aerodynamic stall. The airplane impacted terrain short of the runway, and the passenger could not recall if the pilot applied engine power prior to the impact. The airplane's structure remained fairly intact, consistent with a low angle of impact. There was no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the approach after observing the Cessna's back taxi.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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