# NTSB ATL92LA120: Glaser-Dirks DG 300, N433TT, Arabi, GA, June 10, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 10, 1992, 15:15 local (19:15 UTC)
- Place: Arabi, GA
- Coordinates: 31.959232, -83.769729 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.9592&lon=-83.7697&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8614
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92LA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8614/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA120

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT WHEN HE FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID OBSTACLES. FACTORS WERE THE LOSS OF THERMAL LIFT AND THE PILOT'S DIVERTED ATTENTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - no thermal lift (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A GLIDER CONTEST, THERMAL LIFT DISSIPATED. THE PILOT DESCENDED ATTEMPTING TO LOCATE ADDITIONAL THERMALS, UNSUCCESSFULLY. A LARGE PEANUT FIELD WAS SELECTED AS A POSSIBLE LANDING SITE. IT WAS OVERFLOWN AT ABOUT 1500 FEET FOR EVALUATION. POWER LINES ALONG THE FIELD WERE NOT OBSERVED. A LONG STRAIGHT IN APPROACH WAS ESTABLISHED. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE FOCUSED HIS ATTENTION ON A LONG STORAGE SHED, AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE FIELD,TO AVOID IT BUT, REMAIN CLOSE. CONSEQUENTLY HE DID NOT SEE POWER LINES ABOUT 20 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND JUST BEYOND THE SHED. THE MAIN LANDING GEAR CAUGHT THREE WIRES. THE GLIDER NOSED DOWN, THEN IMPACTED THE SOFT, PLOWED GROUND IN A NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N433TT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N433TT), registered now, S/N 3E-82 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Glaser-Dirks DG 300
- Registry model: [Glaser Dirks DG 300](https://openairdocs.org/model/glaser-dirks-dg-300) (registry code 3802509) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 3E-82
- Airframe hours: 75
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dewald, Charles F.
- Registered owner: Dewald, Charles F.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1992, 5 hours before
- Departed: 02J, CORDELE, GA
- Destination: 02J

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; seat: center; flight hours: 686 total, 25 in this make and model, 133 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCN, 40 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 19920610021489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920610021489A), Jun 10, 1992: Glaser DG300, Arabi, GA, Substantial damage. Out of thermals on crosscountry glider contest. Tried to make open field. Struck powerline. Landed nose first.

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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