N48026

Substantial
None

Let BlanikS/N: 026021

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, October 4, 2008
NTSB Number
CEN09CA007
Location
Gardner, KS
Event ID
20081002X05155
Coordinates
38.801109, -94.955276
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff when the climb performance of the tow plane and the glider were inadequate. Contributing to the accident were the high density altitude and the terrain-induced turbulence.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N48026
Make
LET
Serial Number
026021
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1975
Model / ICAO
BlanikAE45
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
KC EAGLES SOARING CLUB
Address
3839 W 95TH TERR
Status
Deregistered
City
OVERLAND PARK
State / Zip Code
KS 66206
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot was conducting a normal aero tow takeoff in a glider from the 2,154 foot long turf runway 21. The tow plane pilot and the glider pilot both reported that they both became airborne at approximately 40 knots and both pilots released the tow rope at the end of the runway when it became obvious that the climb performance of the glider and the tow plane was insufficient to accelerate or to climb out of ground effect. The glider then crashed into the fence at the end of runway 21. Weather reported by at the time of the accident was 10 miles visibility, clear of clouds, winds from 150 at 9 knots, with a temperature of 74 degrees and dew point of 57 degrees. Density altitude was calculated as 2,260 feet. Other pilots familiar with this airport report that in crosswind operations there is frequently induced turbulence from the trees along left side of the departure end of runway 21.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA007