# NTSB CHI97LA216: Schweizer SGS 2-8, N79106, Menominee Falls, WI, July 20, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1997, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Menominee Falls, WI
- Coordinates: 43.14046, -88.119674 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.1405&lon=-88.1197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report May 29, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10634
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA216
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10634/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA216

## Probable cause

the slippage of the glider launch equipment (winch).  Factors were the pilot's encounter with a stall/spin and the lack of possibility for remedial action to avoid impact with the terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, takeoff
  - glider launch/tow equipment - slipped (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - stall/spin - encountered, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The pilot was using a winch tow to launch the glider. During the launch, the glider became airborne; however, when the pilot increased the angle of attack, the glider entered a stall/spin and subsequently impacted the terrain. Postaccident examination revealed that the automatic transmission on the winch slipped, when tension was applied to the cable.

## Factual narrative

On July 20, 1997, at 1500 central daylight time, a Schweizer SGS 2-8 (glider), N79106, sustained substantial damage during a takeoff attempt from runway 18 (1,865' x 100' dry/turf), near Menominee Falls, Wisconsin.  The pilot received serious injuries.  A winch tow was being conducted when the accident occurred.  The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was being conducted in visual meteorological conditions.  No flight plan was on file.  The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot said that during the winch launch, the glider became airborne; however, when he increased the angle of attack, the airspeed decreased, and the glider entered a stall/spin.  He said this occurred from about 100 feet above the ground and he was unable to recover prior to impact.  The pilot stated that the winch used for the launch failed.  He thought that the "most likely" problem was with the automatic transmission.

A post accident examination revealed that when weight drag (weight) was applied to the winch cable, the automatic transmission slipped and would not reel in the cable.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N79106](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N79106), registered now, S/N 57, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Schweizer SGS 2-8
- Registry model: [Schweizer SGS 2-8](https://openairdocs.org/model/schweizer-sgs-2-8) (registry code 8050202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 57
- Airframe hours: 1369
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frederick F. Flood
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 15, 1997, 1 hours before
- Departed: 76C
- Airport: 76C, Aero Park, runway 18, 1,865 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 3,195 total, 767 in this make and model, 2,994 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: KMW, 10 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 19970720019059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970720019059A), Jul 20, 1997: Scwzer SGS28, Menomonee Falls, WI, Substantial damage. Aircraft stalled on takeoff and crashed nose down. (.4)the pilot was using a winch tow to launch the glider. During the launch, the glider became airborne;…

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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