Aerotechnik L-13 SEH VIVAT N64RG

Summary

On 23 February 2000 at about 19:42 local time, a Aerotechnik L-13 SEH VIVAT registered N64RG, operated by Henry F. Krejci, was involved in an accident near Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States. 2 people were on board and one died, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

23 February 2000 at 19:42

Classification

Accident

Location

Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States

Nearest airport

Plymouth Municipal (PYM)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Aerotechnik L-13 SEH VIVAT

Registration

N64RG

Category

Glider

Engines

1

Operator

Henry F. Krejci

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

IAD00FA023

1 person died.

the flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor was the flight instructor's improper use of speed brakes and the strong gusty winds with downdrafts.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Prior to departure, the flight instructor told the pilot who was receiving his biennial flight review that it was windy and 'they should fly conservatively.' The flight instructor and pilot departed, and soared the motor glider 'in strong lift conditions' in the vicinity of the airport in the power-off configuration. Upon returning to the airport, the flight instructor decided to land in the power off configuration. The pilot delayed the turn to base. Upon turning base, the pilot was uncomfortable with the approach and released control of the motor glider to the flight instructor. The flight instructor then turned the motor glider directly toward the airport and 'very heavy sinking air' was encountered. The flight instructor prepared to land short of the asphalt runway on the grass, but was unable to maintain enough lift to clear the trees bordering the airport. The motor glider descended through the trees, sheared off a large section of the right wing, and came to rest on the right side partially inverted. The speed brake handle was found in the fully extended position. The right speed brake was extended, and the left speed brake was found retracted. The landing runway was 24, and the winds were from 220 degrees at 16 gusting to 23 knots. Examination of the motor glider revealed no mechanical deficiencies.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.