Pilot Debrief

SCHEMPP-HIRTH VENTUS 2B near Burnsville, NC — 2014-02-18

Final reportERA14CA126
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Date
2014-02-18
Location
Burnsville, NC, USA
Aircraft
SCHEMPP-HIRTH VENTUS 2B
Registration
N411SD
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's improper use of the spoilers, which resulted in an uncontrolled descent and subsequent impact with trees.

NTSB narrative

According to the glider pilot, he did "crack" open the spoilers during tow a little due to the turbulent air that day. Immediately after releasing from the tow airplane, the glider went into a nose down attitude. He overheard the tow pilot say that his spoilers were deployed. He retracted the spoilers and then attempted to gain attitude but was out of lift. He saw a golf course to the north but then realized that he would not make the intended landing area, and chose an area that looked like it had small trees. According to the pilot towing the glider, they departed and flew about 15 minutes to the glide area. The glider was released and began a nose down attitude towards the ground. She stated that the glider's dive brakes were deployed. The tow pilot radioed the glider pilot, asking him if everything was "ok". The accident pilot responded back on the radio with what the she thought was an "affirmative", which later was determined to be a "negative". The tow pilot continued to watch the glider in a sharp dive until it impacted trees. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the left and right wing leading edges, and the empennage sustained substantial damage due to impact with trees. Control continuity from the flight controls to all surfaces was verified. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided deploying spoilers during tow in turbulent air.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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