Pilot Debrief

PDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-55-1 near Mocksville, NC — 2012-05-28

Final reportERA12CA378
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Date
2012-05-28
Location
Mocksville, NC, USA
Airport
43NC
Aircraft
PDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-55-1
Registration
N817V
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The glider pilot's failure to attain and maintain directional control during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the glider's heading differed about 5 degrees from that of the towplane when the towplane began its takeoff roll. The pilot used rudder to correct the heading, but the glider dragged a wing and yawed 70 degrees to its right. The glider lifted 3 to 5 feet above the runway, the pilot released the tow, the glider touched down in a sideslip, and the resultant side load on the tail landing gear "buckled the tailboom 90 [degrees]." The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the glider that would have prevented normal operation, and that the accident might have been prevented by ensuring alignment of the glider with the towplane prior to the takeoff roll.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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