# NTSB ATL88LA243: Schempp-Hirth 2, N795, Whitwell, TN, August 25, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 25, 1988, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Whitwell, TN
- Coordinates: 35.199542, -85.509132 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.1995&lon=-85.5091&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7805
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA243
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7805/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA243

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - pole (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS COMPLETING A 130 MILE CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. JUST PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN, THE LEFT WING COLLIDED WITH A WATER SPRINKLER PIPE ALONG THE EDGE OF THE RUNWAY.  THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.  THE GRASS WAS TALLER ALONG THE RUNWAY EDGE.  THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT ANY SYSTEM PROBLEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N795](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N795-2012-10-22), registration cancelled 2012-10-22, S/N 18, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schempp-Hirth 2
- Registry model: [Schempp-Hirth K. G NIMBUS II](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-k-g-nimbus-ii) (registry code 3801925) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 18
- Airframe hours: 1635
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David P. Howard
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 24, 1988, 91 hours before
- Airport: TN89, Matthews, runway 3, 2,200 × 65 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; seat: center; flight hours: 509 total, 495 as pilot in command, 72 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19880825047039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880825047039A), Aug 25, 1988: Sphrth NIMBUS2, Whitwell, TN, Substantial damage. Wing hit a sprinkler while turning a low final. Aircraft ground looped.

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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