Summary
On October 14, 2011, a Ica Brasov IS-29D2 (N1339X) was involved in an incident near Benton, TN. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper in-flight planning, which resulted in a low-altitude traffic pattern entry and subsequent collision with telephone wires.
The pilot of the glider stated that he was returning to the airport at the conclusion of a one-and-a-half hour flight, and approached the airport at a low altitude and slow airspeed. The pilot continued the approach for landing, and struck a telephone wire on the final leg of the traffic pattern. The glider sustained substantial damage to the wing spar and tail boom. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the glider.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA12CA027. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1339X.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper in-flight planning, which resulted in a low-altitude traffic pattern entry and subsequent collision with telephone wires.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the glider stated that he was returning to the airport at the conclusion of a one-and-a-half hour flight, and approached the airport at a low altitude and slow airspeed. The pilot continued the approach for landing, and struck a telephone wire on the final leg of the traffic pattern. The glider sustained substantial damage to the wing spar and tail boom. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the glider.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA027