N445M

On August 3, 1996, at 1430 central daylight time, a Schleicher KA6-CR glider, N445M, registered to and operated by a private owner was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff near Forrest City, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured during the personal flight operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Forrest City Municipal Airport at approximately 1330.

According to the pilot, the glider lost lift while on a local glider flight and he elected to execute an off-airport landing on a dirt road approximately 4 miles from the airport. The tow plane landed on the road to retrieve the glider. The pilot added that during the takeoff roll from the crowned and uneven dirt road, a heavy dust cloud was created by the tow plane, and he was unable to maintain directional control. The glider impacted a steel foot bridge crossing an irrigation ditch and sustained structural damage to the aft portion of the airframe.