N26EL

On April 12, 2013, a Schleicher Alexander Gmbh & Co ASH 26 E (N26EL) was involved in an incident near Tullahoma, 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 use of wing spoilers during approach resulting in an altitude loss and collision with a tree.

According to the pilot, he was on a one mile final approach to runway 36 at 800 feet with the glider engine stowed. He noted that the winds were changing and extended the flaps. The airspeed was between 55 and 60 knots when the airbrakes were extended to start a descent. The altitude was high and the glider began to descend at a rapid rate. The pilot closed the airbrakes to arrest the descent rate but realized he was too low and unable to land on the intended runway. The glider collided with a tree, and a post-accident examination revealed that the left wing was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA13CA310. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N26EL.