Schleicher Alexander Gmbh & ASH 26 E N26EL

Summary

On 12 April 2013 at about 17:30 local time, a Schleicher Alexander Gmbh & ASH 26 E registered N26EL, operated by Long Jeffrey A, was involved in an accident near Tullahoma, 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

12 April 2013 at 17:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Tullahoma, Tennessee, United States

Nearest airport

Tullahoma Regional Airport (THA)

Coordinates

35.3800, -86.2467

Aircraft

Schleicher Alexander Gmbh & ASH 26 E

Registration

N26EL

Category

Glider

Engines

1

Operator

Long Jeffrey A

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Tullahoma → Tullahoma

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA13CA310

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's improper use of wing spoilers during approach resulting in an altitude loss and collision with a tree.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was on a one mile final approach to runway 36 at 800 feet with the glider engine stowed. He noted that the wind was changing and extended the flaps. The airspeed was between 55 and 60 knots when the airbrakes were extended to start a descent. The altitude was high and the glider began to descend at a rapid rate. The pilot closed the airbrakes to arrest the descent rate but realized he was to low and unable to land on the intended runway. The glider collided with a tree, and a post-accident examination revealed that the left wing was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.