Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to properly connect the aileron control linkage during assembly, and his inadequate preflight which did not detect the problem before flight.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On June 11, 1994, at 1103 hours Pacific daylight time, a Prue 160 glider, N90614, collided with terrain after an in-flight loss of control during the initial takeoff climb from the Jean Airport, Jean, Nevada. The glider was being operated as a personal flight by the pilot/owner. The glider was destroyed and the certificated airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
The pilot indicated during the initial takeoff climb he did not have aileron control. The glider pilot aborted the takeoff and released from the tow plane about 20 to 30 feet above the ground. The glider's right wing then dropped, striking the ground first.
Post-accident examination of the glider's flight control system revealed the ANC-3 bolt that attaches the aileron torque tubes to the aileron pulley was not properly installed when the glider was assembled for the flight. The pilot stated in his report that he failed to properly connect the aileron control linkage, and inadequate preflight procedures didn't detect the problem.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX94LA249