Pilot Debrief

DG FLUGZEUGBAU GMBH DG 1000S near Cle Elum, WA — 2011-10-13

Final reportWPR12FA010
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Date
2011-10-13
Location
Cle Elum, WA, USA
Airport
S93
Aircraft
DG FLUGZEUGBAU GMBH DG 1000S
Registration
N7760A
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and control after takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported that the glider became airborne within the first one-third of the runway during an automobile ground launch. The glider then pitched to a steep nose-high attitude and ascended through about 100 to 125 feet when the rope broke. The glider continued to ascend and momentarily leveled off near the end of the runway. The glider then entered a steep right bank angle turn and descended, turning about 300 degrees from its initial departure heading before it impacted terrain. Postaccident examination of the glider revealed no evidence of a malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The glider’s right turn and associated steep bank angle likely resulted in a significant loss of airspeed and subsequent aerodynamic stall at a low altitude, with insufficient altitude for the pilot to recover. It is also likely that the tow rope reached its maximum tensile load and broke as a result of the rapid pitch-up maneuver after takeoff. The reason for the rapid pitch up maneuver could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after tow rope slackened.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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