Schempp-Hirth Nimbus-4M
Ephrata, WA — May 4, 2008
Event Information
| Date | May 4, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | SEA08CA122 |
| Event ID | 20080602X00759 |
| Location | Ephrata, WA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 47.30806, -119.51667 |
| Airport | Ephrata Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | Schempp-Hirth |
| Model | Nimbus-4M |
| Category | GLI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and his failure to connect the left aileron control rod during assembly.
Full Narrative
This was the first flight after removal of the glider from storage and its reassembly. The pilot reported that during takeoff initial climb, the glider started to roll to the left despite his control inputs. He decided to abort the takeoff and land straight ahead while attempting to maintain control of the powered glider. Subsequently, the left wing struck the ground and the glider began to cart wheel. Examination of the airframe revealed that the left and right wings were structurally damaged and the empennage was partially separated. Examination of the flight control system revealed that the left aileron connecting rod was disconnected at the fuselage/wing quick connection point and was undamaged. The pilot stated that during assembly of the glider prior to the flight, the left aileron control tube was inadvertently not attached and that he did not verify that all flight controls moved free and correct prior to takeoff.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.