# NTSB DEN87LA175: Schempp-Hirth Nimbus II, N71JD, Hobbs, NM, July 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 8, 1987, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Hobbs, NM
- Coordinates: 32.730045, -103.159927 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.7300&lon=-103.1599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 29, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17264
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17264/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA175

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - flt control syst,elevator control - undetermined (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
  - emergency procedure - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PVT PLT WAS FLYING IN A NATIONAL SOARING CONTEST. THE GLIDER WAS TOWED TO 2000 FEET AGL AND RELEASED. THE PLT REPORTED MAKING A CLIMBING RIGHT TURN AFTER RELEASE, HOWEVER HE NOTICED THAT THE CONTROL STICK WAS MORE AFT THAN NORMAL. AS THE FLIGHT PROGRESSED, THE STICK CAME TO A FULL AFT POSITION. THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY UP ELEVATOR CONTROL RESPONSE. THE ALTITUDE HAD DETERIORATED TO 1300 FEET AGL. THE PLT BAILED OUT SUCCESSFULLY. THE ACFT INVERTED, ENTERED A FLAT SPIN AND CRASHED. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE BELIEVED THE ELEVATOR CONTROL WAS INADVERTENTLY ASSEMBLED IMPROPERLY. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE DID NOT REVEAL EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN REPORTED LOSS OF ELEVATOR CONTROL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N71JD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N71JD-1994-03-16), registration cancelled 1994-03-16, S/N 45 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SCHEMPP-HIRTH NIMBUS II
- Registry model: [Schempp-Hirth K. G NIMBUS II](https://openairdocs.org/model/schempp-hirth-k-g-nimbus-ii) (registry code 3801925) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 45
- Airframe hours: 490
- Engines: NONE NONE unknown
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James M. Stabler
- Registered owner: Stabler, James M
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1987
- Departed: HBB, HOBBS, NM

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 758 total, 378 in this make and model, 758 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOB, 2 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 19870708032579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870708032579A), Jul 8, 1987: Sphrth NIMBUS2, Hobbs, NM, Substantial damage. No elevator up response. Pilot bailed out. Crashed inverted in a flat spin. Suspect improperly assembled tail section

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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