Pilot Debrief

SCHEMPP-HIRTH VENTUS 2CT near Blacksburg, VA — 2015-09-24

Final reportERA15LA375
Sign in to save
Date
2015-09-24
Location
Blacksburg, VA, USA
Aircraft
SCHEMPP-HIRTH VENTUS 2CT
Registration
N710JC
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A loss of thermal lift during a motor glider flight, which resulted in an off-airport landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from power lines during the off-airport landing attempt.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was flying the motor glider in an annual soaring competition. The pilot reported that the motor glider was towed to 2,500 ft and then released. He subsequently performed a routine test of the engine and observed no anomalies; he then shut down the engine and stowed it before beginning the first leg of the competition. About 20 miles from the departure airport, the motor glider began losing altitude due to a loss of thermal lift, and the pilot then prepared for an off-airport landing. He deployed the retractable engine and attempted to start it but was unsuccessful. The pilot set up for landing to a field. He did not see power lines bordering the approach end of the field, and the motor glider impacted the power lines and then descended to the ground in a nose-down attitude.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different landing area to avoid wires.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps