Pilot Debrief

Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau DG-100G near Truckee, CA — 2008-07-23

Final reportLAX08LA242
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Date
2008-07-23
Location
Truckee, CA, USA
Airport
TRK
Aircraft
Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau DG-100G
Registration
N132S
Category
Glider
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A malfunction of the tow release mechanism.

NTSB narrative

About 150 feet above ground level (agl) during a tow to altitude, the glider's tow rope release mechanism activated without the pilot's command. He lowered the nose, regained airspeed, turned left, and landed in sagebrush, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and right aileron. During the post accident investigation, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector was able to cause an uncommanded release of the tow rope an additional two times by tugging on it. The tow release's time in service exceeded the manufacturer's recommended replacement interval. The manufacturer's service recommendations are not regulatory or mandated unless specifically written into the operating limitations for the airplane.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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