1 fatal · PZL-BIELSKO SZD 55-1 · 2016-08-06 · Channahon, IL, USA
Event
NTSB number
CEN16FA308
Event ID
20160807X20843
Type
Accident
Date
2016-08-06
Location
Channahon, IL, USA
Coordinates
41.430831, -88.249443
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
1
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
1
Aircraft
Make
PZL-BIELSKO
Model
SZD 55-1
Registration
N551DR
FAR Part
091
Engines
—
Damage
SUBS
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The glider pilot's failure to maintain adequate pitch control while being towed and his subsequent failure to maintain adequate airspeed control after releasing from the towline, which resulted in the glider exceeding its critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall/spin at a low altitude.