Pilot Debrief

Blanik L-13 near Middlefield, OH — 2009-11-01

Final reportCEN10LA035
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Date
2009-11-01
Location
Middlefield, OH, USA
Airport
7G8
Aircraft
Blanik L-13
Registration
N1142
Category
Glider
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The student pilot's improper control inputs which resulted in the inadvertent stall of the glider.

NTSB narrative

The glider pilot, who was a certificated flight instructor (CFI), reported that he was following the student pilot on the controls during the takeoff climb. He observed the tow plane rock its wings indicating to the glider to “wave off”. The CFI took control of the glider and stated, “It’s my airplane.” He released the tow line, turned 180 degrees to return to the airport, and lowered the nose to increase aircraft energy. The student felt they were too low to the ground and panicked. The student pilot grabbed the controls and pulled back on the stick. The CFI could not overpower the student on the controls and the airplane started to spin left. He picked up the left wing by applying opposite rudder. The glider impacted a tractor dealer’s parking lot. The inspection of the glider revealed that it sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. No pre-impact anomalies were noted.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
CFI could have maintained control instead of allowing student to grab controls.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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