Schempp-Hirth VENTUS 2CM N68MP

Summary

On 29 June 2009 at about 20:30 local time, a Schempp-Hirth VENTUS 2CM registered N68MP, operated by Michael K Packard, was involved in an accident near Paragonah, Utah, 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

29 June 2009 at 20:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Paragonah, Utah, United States

Nearest airport

Parowan (1L9)

Coordinates

37.8981, -112.7767

Aircraft

Schempp-Hirth VENTUS 2CM

Registration

N68MP

Category

Glider

Engines

1

Operator

Michael K Packard

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Parowan → Parowan

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR09LA317

1 person died.

The glider departed controlled flight for undetermined reasons.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was competing in a glider competition. He was going to depart using the glider’s engine; however, it would not start so the pilot was required to enter the departure line with the other gliders that were being towed. The initial takeoff was uneventful. The tow plane pilot reported that the glider released from the tow plane approximately 1,800 feet above ground level, which was 200 feet lower than the normal release altitude. A witness then reported that the nose of the glider pitched up and down until entering into a descent to ground impact. Data obtained from onboard recorders showed that the glider entered into a left spiral dive until impact with the ground. Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions that would have resulted in a loss of control. The pilot had a history of coronary artery disease with angioplasty and stent placement 3 months prior to the accident, and an intermittent abnormal heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) noted at that time. He would have been at low risk for clot formation in the stent or for stroke or other incapacitation related to his atrial fibrillation, but the condition of his remains did not permit the evaluation of any potential abnormalities in the heart or brain. The pilot did not have a current FAA medical certificate, and none was required for the operations in which he was engaged.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.