Ica Brasov IS-29D2 N1339X

Summary

On 14 October 2011 at about 20:00 local time, a Ica Brasov IS-29D2 registered N1339X, operated by Tampa Bay Soaring Society, was involved in an accident near Benton, Tennessee, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 October 2011 at 20:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Benton, Tennessee, United States

Nearest airport

Chilhowee Gliderport (92A)

Coordinates

35.2558, -84.5842

Aircraft

Ica Brasov IS-29D2

Registration

N1339X

Category

Glider

Operator

Tampa Bay Soaring Society

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Benton → Benton

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA12CA027

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's improper in-flight planning, which resulted in a low-altitude traffic pattern entry and subsequent collision with telephone wires.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the glider stated that he was returning to the airport at the conclusion of a 1.5-hour flight. The pilot approached the airport at a slow airspeed and a lower-than-normal altitude due to a misinterpretation of the altimeter reading. The pilot continued the approach for landing, and the glider struck telephone wires on the final leg of the traffic pattern. The glider sustained substantial damage to the wing spar and tailboom. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the glider.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.