N93FR

Substantial
Minor

Schempp-Hirth Discus-2CTS/N: 2

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
NTSB Number
NYC06CA198
Location
Julian, PA
Event ID
20061003X01439
Coordinates
40.865833, -77.940277
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's delayed decision to restart the glider's engine. A factor in the accident was a loss of thermal lift.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N93FR
Make
SCHEMPP-HIRTH
Serial Number
2
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
2004
Model / ICAO
Discus-2CTDISC
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
PASCALE FRANK R
Address
3523 S EAGLE VALLEY RD
Status
Deregistered
City
JULIAN
State / Zip Code
PA 16844-9032
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, he had performed a cross country glider flight and was returning to his home airport, around dusk, when the glider "got a bit low." The pilot attempted to start the glider's engine, at approximately 1,200 feet AGL, but was unsuccessful, because he could not maintain the required excessive nose down attitude for engine start. The pilot then initiated a 180 degree turn to perform a forced landing to a field. During the turn, the glider encountered "very strong sink," and impacted the edge of a residence. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the glider. He also stated that he should have "abandoned glider flight" and started the engine when he was in the vicinity of an airport.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC06CA198