# NTSB DEN85LA216: Schempp-Hirth Ventus B, N25RN, Colorado Sprgs, CO, August 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 10, 1985, 14:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Colorado Sprgs, CO
- Coordinates: 39.049961, -104.689445 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0500&lon=-104.6894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16745
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA216
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16745/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA216

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - airspeed - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF THE GLIDER LEFT WING TOUCHED THE GROUND. THE GLIDER THEN CARTWHEELED SUSTAINING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N25RN](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N25RN-2003-11-25), registration cancelled 2003-11-25, S/N 221, built 1985 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHEMPP-HIRTH VENTUS B
- Registry model: [Schempp-Hirth VENTUS B/16.6](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-ventus-b-16-6) (registry code 3802061) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [NONE](https://openairdocs.org/engine/none) (registry code 00000, none) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 221
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Nelson B. Nolan
- Registered owner: Nelson B.Noland
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: CO26, Black Forest Glider Port, runway 17, 5,000 × 20 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 1,620 total, 28 in this make and model, 1,539 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19850810037809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850810037809A), Aug 10, 1985: Sphrth VENTUSB, Colorado Spring, CO, Substantial damage. Lifted off before tow plane, pitched up and stalled. Right wing and nose impacted runway.

## Other investigations on N25RN (1)

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.

- [NTSB DEN03LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03LA143), Aug 7, 2003: Schempp-Hirth Ventus B/16.6 (N25RN), Boulder, CO, substantial damage. Probable cause: pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision making. Contributing factors include the thunderstorms, the lack of suitable terrain available for a precautionary landing and the water.

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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