# NTSB ATL88LA120: Slingsby Dart T-51, N209K, Whitwell, TN, March 20, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 20, 1988, 13:02 local (18:02 UTC)
- Place: Whitwell, TN
- Coordinates: 35.200424, -85.509178 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2004&lon=-85.5092&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7722
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7722/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA120

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - weather condition - windshear (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate initial training, flight instructor(on ground) (contributing factor)
  - insufficient standards/requirements,airman, faa(organization) (contributing factor)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - wing,spar - overload
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
- Miscellaneous/other, descent - uncontrolled
  - evacuation - intentional, pilot in command
  - misc eqpt/furnishings,parachute/drag chute - engaged
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE GLIDER WAS OBSERVED TO MAKE A NORMAL RELEASE. WHILE STILL IN A TURN IT ENCOUNTERED A WIND SHEAR AND ROLLED INTO A VERTICAL BANK.  IT SIDESLIPPED FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN THE NOSE DROPPED INTO A VERTICAL DIVE. THE PILOT STATED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO PULL OUT INTO LEVEL FLIGHT THE ACFT BROKE APART. THE PLT USED THE PARACHUTE AND RECEIVED A BROKEN ANKLE. THE PRIVATE PILOT TEST STANDARD DOES NOT ADDRESS HIGH SPEED UNUSUAL ATTITUDE RECOVERIES IN GLIDERS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N209K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N209K-2005-12-21), registration cancelled 2005-12-21, S/N 1498, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SLINGSBY DART T-51
- Registry model: [Slingsby DART T.51](https://openairdocs.org/model/slingsby-dart-t-51) (registry code 8320602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 1498
- Airframe hours: 1327
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: J. J. Newell
- Registered owner: Mullaney, Michael J.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1987, 61 hours before
- Departed: TN89

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; seat: front; flight hours: 101 total, 42 in this make and model, 57 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CSV, 46 nm away

## 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 19880320044919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880320044919A), Mar 20, 1988: Slnsby T51, Whitwell, TN, Destroyed. Glider rolled on its back after tow release. Began a dive and breakup. Pilot bailed out. Severe windshear factor.

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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