Schleicher Alexander Gmbh & ASH 26 E N264JM

Summary

On 30 August 2024 at about 17:21 local time, a Schleicher Alexander Gmbh & ASH 26 E registered N264JM was involved in an accident near Waynesville, Ohio, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

30 August 2024 at 17:21

Classification

Accident

Location

Waynesville, Ohio, United States

Nearest airport

Caesar Creek Soaring Club (2OH9)

Coordinates

39.4767, -84.0938

Aircraft

Schleicher Alexander Gmbh & ASH 26 E

Registration

N264JM

Category

Glider

Year built

2000

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA24FA362

1 person died.

A loss of control on takeoff for undetermined reasons.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The 84-year-old pilot was being towed for takeoff in his glider when the accident occurred. According to the tow pilot, the glider became airborne earlier than normal and climbed above and to the left of the tow plane. The glider started pulling the tail of the tow plane up and the tow pilot had to release the glider when they were about 100 to 150 ft above the ground. Witnesses described that the glider pitched up before entering a nose low, left descending turn that continue to ground impact on the grass runway. Postaccident examination of the glider revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The witnesses also stated that the pilot acted and sounded normal before the accident; however, once airborne, his actions were not consistent with his normal flying habits. The witnesses described him as an active glider pilot who was meticulous and very conservative with his flying. Postaccident toxicological testing of blood and liver samples from the pilot detected the drugs Metformin and Pravastatin. These medications are not considered impairing and likely did not pose a hazard to flight or contribute to the accident. An autopsy of the pilot did not detect that he had a medical event that would have contributed to the accident. Since no mechanical or medical issues were identified, the investigation was not able to determine why the pilot lost control on takeoff.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.