Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE ABORTED TAKEOFF. FACTORS INCLUDE A VEHICLE PARKED NEAR THE RUNWAY.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 19, 1994, at 1515 mountain daylight time (MDT), a Eiriavion Oy PIK20D-78, N686CE, collided with a truck during an aborted takeoff at Madison County Airport, Rexburg, Idaho. The pilot of the single-place glider was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The personal pleasure flight, which was intended to land back at the point of departure, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation.
According to the pilot, he was attempting an unassisted (no wing- runner) towed takeoff, when the glider began drifting to the side of the runway. He therefore elected to release the tow line and abort the takeoff. After initiating the abort, the aircraft began to swerve, and ultimately departed the side of the runway. As it departed the runway, the aircraft impacted a runway light, and came to rest after colliding with a truck being used for airfield electrical maintenance.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA94LA186