SERS · SCHEMPP-HIRTH VENTUS A/16.6 · 1992-05-31 · TUCSON, AZ, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX92LA225
Event ID
20001211X14695
Type
Accident
Date
1992-05-31
Location
TUCSON, AZ, USA
Coordinates
31.900272, -111.35997
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
1
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
SCHEMPP-HIRTH
Model
VENTUS A/16.6
Registration
N8KS
FAR Part
091
Engines
0
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
THE INFLIGHT DISCONNECTION OF THE RIGHT AILERON 'OTELLIER COUPLER FITTING DUE TO LUBRICANTS ON THE COUPLER SLIDE LOCK PLATE, AND THE FAILURE OF THE GLIDER MANUFACTURER TO INCLUDE APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONARY INFORMATION IN THE MAINTENANCE AND/OR FLIGHT MANUAL. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE FAILURE OF THE GLIDER AND FITTING MANUFACTURERS TO MANDATE FAIL/SAFE DEVICES FOR THE COUPLER FITTING, AND THE DESIGN OF THE GLIDER REGARDING THE FACILITATION OF THE COUPLER CONNECTIONS DURING THE GLIDER ASSEMBLY PROCESS.