# N55SM: 1974 Sportavia Putzer RF5B SPERBER

- Status: Valid registration
- Airframe: [Sportavia Putzer RF5B SPERBER](https://openairdocs.org/model/sportavia-putzer-rf5b-sperber) (registry code 8451016, 2 seats)
- Engine: [Limbach 1700E](https://openairdocs.org/engine/limbach-1700e) (registry code 38602)
- Serial number: 51053
- Year built: 1974
- Type: Glider
- Engine type: Reciprocating
- Airworthiness: Experimental, exhibition, racing
- Airworthiness date: October 31, 1995
- Certificate issued: June 27, 2019
- Expires: June 30, 2029
- Mode S code: A6FEAE
- Registered owner: [Gyenes Collin M](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/GYENES%20COLLIN%20M)
- Location: [Mcminnville, OR](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OR/Mcminnville)
- Owner type: Individual
- Owner's area on the map: 45.2117° N, 123.2817° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at the center of ZIP code 97128, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs). The owner's mailing address, not where the aircraft is based
- FAA registry: https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=55SM
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N55SM

From the FAA registry file of October 24, 2026. ADs below are matched by the registry's airframe and engine model codes. They may apply; each AD's applicability can narrow it by serial number, part number or installed equipment. This is not a compliance determination.

## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs): 0 in force

### Matched by airframe (Sportavia Putzer RF5B SPERBER)

None in force.

### Matched by engine (Limbach 1700E)

None in force.

## Information bulletins (advisory)

None matched.

## NTSB investigations (2)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB NYC91LA228](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA228), Sep 1, 1991: Sportavia-Putzer RF5B (N55SM), Lockport, NY, substantial damage. Probable cause: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE GLIDER DURING LANDING. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE TURBULENCE ENCOUNTERED ON APPROACH.
- [NTSB NYC76FGM42](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC76FGM42), Aug 10, 1976: Sportavia RF-5B (N55SM), Penfield, PA, substantial damage

## FAA accident and incident reports (2)

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [Accident 19910902038929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910902038929A), Sep 2, 1991: Sptpuz RF5B (N55SM), Lockport, NY, Substantial damage. Struck brush on side of runway on landing rotating glider into larger brush. Blamed runway misalignment on wind gust
- [Accident 19760810023859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19760810023859A), Aug 10, 1976: Sptpuz RF5B (N55SM), Penfield, PA, Substantial damage. Lost power at 3200 ft,engine not equipped with carburetor heat system

## Service difficulty reports

None filed for this aircraft. Matched to this aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model.

## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs)

None matched to this aircraft's models.

## Related

- Other Sportavia Putzer RF5B SPERBER aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/model/sportavia-putzer-rf5b-sperber/aircraft.md
- The Limbach 1700E engine: https://openairdocs.org/engine/limbach-1700e.md

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