Summary
On June 03, 1994, a Wsk Pzl Krosno KR-03A (N4194D) was involved in an incident near Morrisville, VT. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft was destroyed.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: THE PILOT'S PREMATURE RELEASE FROM THE TOW PLANE. THE LACK OF LIFT AND THE DOWNDRAFT WERE FACTORS.
On June 3, 1994, at 1332 eastern daylight time, N4194D, a WSK PZL Krosno glider, operated by Stowe Soaring of Morrisville, Vermont, collided with trees at Morrisville. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The certificated private pilot was not injured while the glider was destroyed. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
The glider pilot stated that he and the tow pilot had discussed that they would climb to 2000 feet AGL, and if there was not enough lift at that altitude that they would climb to 3000 feet AGL before disconnecting. According to the pilot, the tow airplane was at 2000 feet when it turned to the left. The glider pilot stated that he disconnected, but he was unable to make it to Mt. Elmore.
This incident is documented in NTSB report BFO94LA087. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4194D.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S PREMATURE RELEASE FROM THE TOW PLANE. THE LACK OF LIFT AND THE DOWNDRAFT WERE FACTORS.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 3, 1994, at 1332 eastern daylight time, N4194D, a WSK PZL Krosno glider, operated by Stowe Soaring of Morrisville, Vermont, collided with trees at Morrisville. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The certificated private pilot was not injured while the glider was destroyed. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91.
The glider pilot stated that he and the tow pilot had discussed that they would climb to 2000 feet AGL, and if there was not enough lift at that altitude that they would climb to 3000 feet AGL before disconnecting. According to the pilot, the tow airplane was at 2000 feet when it turned to the left. The glider pilot stated that he disconnected, but he was unable to make it to Mt. Elmore. The glider continued to sink and struck tree tops before it spun to the ground.
According to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector, the pilot of the glider reported that the glider encountered a downdraft. The glider pilot also reported that there was no mechanical malfunction.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# BFO94LA087