Pilot Debrief

ROLLADEN-SCHNEIDER OHG LS3-A near Cedar Valley, UT — 2009-06-25

Final reportWPR09LA313
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Date
2009-06-25
Location
Cedar Valley, UT, USA
Airport
UT99
Aircraft
ROLLADEN-SCHNEIDER OHG LS3-A
Registration
N800JM
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently applied the tow release handle.

NTSB narrative

The glider was being towed aloft by a tow-plane. Takeoff procedures for the glider required that the flaps be set at 0 degrees until aileron effectiveness, and then the flaps should be set at 10 degrees. The pilot had 0 degrees of flaps selected, and during the ground roll, the left wing was dragging on the ground surface. He attempted to align the glider with the runway and removed his hand from the flap handle and placed it on the tow release handle, intending to abort the takeoff. He leveled the wings and the glider lifted from the runway. The pilot gained control of the glider and intended to extend the flaps 10 degrees; however, his hand was still on the tow release handle and he unintentionally pulled the tow release at 75 to 100 feet above ground level. During the forced landing, the pilot misjudged the flare, the glider landed hard, and the pilot sustained serious spinal injuries.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Abort takeoff while still on the ground.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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