# NTSB CHI87LA142: Schleicher KA-6-CR, N9398, Staunton, IL, June 4, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1987, 14:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Staunton, IL
- Coordinates: 39.009338, -89.77993 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0093&lon=-89.7799&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 5, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13774
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA142
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13774/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA142

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper descent rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT HE CLIMBED TO 6000 FEET MSL AND PROCEEDED ON COURSE TO STAUNTON, ILLINOIS. ACCORDING TO THE PLT IN A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW, HE WAS APPROXIMATELY 800-900 FEET ABOVE WILLHOIT AIRPORT WHEN HE MADE A 360 DEGREE TURN TO ENTER BASE. HE FURTHER STATED THAT HALFWAY THROUGH THE TURN HE SUDDENLY LOST LIFT AND THE RIGHT WING OF THE ACFT STRUCK THE GROUND APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS SHORT OF RWY 27. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9398](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9398-2013-05-22), registration cancelled 2013-05-22, S/N 6531, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHLEICHER KA-6-CR
- Registry model: [Schleicher KA 6 CR](https://openairdocs.org/model/schleicher-ka-6-cr) (registry code 3801537) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 6531
- Airframe hours: 657
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John W. Knesevich
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 5, 1987
- Departed: H07, HIGHLAND, IL
- Destination: H07, HIGHLAND, IL
- Airport: 9H8, Willhoit, runway 27, 1,950 × 25 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,600 total, 25 in this make and model, 1,535 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 13 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: STL, 62 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 19870604019209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870604019209A), Jun 4, 1987: Schler KA6CR, Staunton, IL, Substantial damage. Glider wing struck ground on turn to final. Pilot reported bad sink in pattern. Landed short of runway.

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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