# NTSB DEN86LA199: Schleicher ASW-20, N13JR, Hobbs, NM, July 12, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1986, 18:30 local (Jul 12, 1986, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Hobbs, NM
- Coordinates: 32.729782, -103.159614 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7298&lon=-103.1596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17013
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA199
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17013/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA199

## 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
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS PARTICIPATING IN A SOARING COMPETION MEET. WHILE ON THE RETURN PORTION OF THE FLT, THE PLT ENCOUNTERED AN AREA OF INSUFFICIENT LIFT & WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE ARPT. DURING AN OFF ARPT LANDING, THE LEFT WING OF THE GLIDER STRUCK A MESQUITE BUSH & THE GLIDER IMPACTED THE GROUND & WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N13JR (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: SCHLEICHER ASW-20
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 20597
- Airframe hours: 354
- Engines: unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Joseph E. Rench
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 22, 1986, 67 hours before
- Departed: HBB, HOBBS, NM
- Destination: HOBBS, NM
- Airport: HBB, Industrial Airpark

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 3,890 total, 520 in this make and model, 3,763 as pilot in command, 101 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °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 19860711032549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860711032549A), Jul 11, 1986: Schler ASW20, Hobbs, NM, Substantial damage. The glider was unable to make the runway. While maneuvering to avoid wires, the wingtip struck some bushes.

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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