# NTSB ATL86LA262: Alexander AS-K13, N6877, Tullahoma, TN, September 20, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1986, 14:35 local (19:35 UTC)
- Place: Tullahoma, TN
- Coordinates: 35.370258, -86.200225 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3703&lon=-86.2002&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7197
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA262
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7197/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA262

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - glider launch/tow equipment - undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - all available runway - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING AN AUTOMOBILE TOW/LAUNCH, THE AUTO EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER BEFORE THE GLIDER REACHED A SAFE RELEASE ALTITUDE. THE PILOT HAD STEERED THE GLIDER OFF OF THE PAVED RWY AND WAS UNABLE TO RETURN TO THE RWY. THE GLIDER PILOT WAS FORCED TO LAND IN HIGH FOLIAGE WHERE SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO THE EMPENNAGE. THE PILOT STATED THAT HAD HE REMAINED OVER THE RWY, THE POSSIBILITY OF LANDING IN THE FOLIAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6877](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6877-2021-10-02), registration cancelled 2021-10-02, S/N 13149, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ALEXANDER AS-K13
- Registry model: [Schleicher AS-K13](https://openairdocs.org/model/schleicher-as-k13) (registry code 38015GS) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 13149
- Airframe hours: 485
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: University Of Tennessee
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 10, 1986
- Departed: THA, TULLAHOMA, TN
- Airport: THA, Tullahoma, runway 24, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; seat: rear; flight hours: 95 total, 73 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860920045829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860920045829A), Sep 20, 1986: Schler ASK13, Tullahoma, TN, Substantial damage. The glider was forced to land when the tow car failed. The pilot did not remain over the runway as long as possible

## Other investigations on N6877 (1)

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 ATL83LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA243), Jun 25, 1983: Schleicher AS-K13 (N6877), Tullahoma, TN, substantial damage

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.

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